James Anderson attempted to shift a final press conference towards his desire to bowl and perform, but admitted he was focused on the match itself “to stop myself crying”. England’s hierarchy made the decision that Anderson would retire , with the consensus that the 41-year-old would not make the next Ashes in 18 months , by which time he would be 43. At Lord’s in 2003, Anderson made his Test debut against Zimbabwe and 21 years later, he will bowl his final ball in international cricket at the same venue , although this time against the West Indies .
For someone who has shied away from the limelight and often avoided talking about his success, it will be a Test match where the focus will be firmly on his exploits. “I’m trying not to think too much about the game itself yet, or certainly how I’d feel about it,” Anderson said. “I’m trying to be as focused as I can.
The big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well and get a win. “I’m sure the emotions during the week will change, but right now that’s what I’m trying to focus on to stop myself crying.” Last summer, England bade farewell to Stuart Broad in fairytale fashion.
He hit his final ball of Test cricket for six and took the wicket to ensure an England victory, and that the Ashes finished in a draw in front of a sold-out Oval. Broad has always enjoyed the limelight, the upcoming Test at Lord’s is set to be a different kind of affair. “I don’t think I’ll be doing anythi.
