James Anderson reflects on his memorable 21-year-long career

James Anderson signed off from Test cricket after 188 matches over 21 years on Friday, 12 July, with England beating West Indies comprehensively in the Lord's Test.

The 41-year-old English pacer had announced his retirement from international cricket after this Test match some time ago. As he prepared for his final outing with the ball, accompanied by huge cheers, Anderson admitted he was "trying to hold back tears."

“Obviously this morning was quite emotional with the two teams lined up and the reaction from the crowd was pretty special," he told Sky Sports after the match.

A look back at James Anderson’s remarkable career with England in Tests

**“**I'm just really proud of playing for 20-odd years. [It] is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler.

“Happy that I've been lucky enough to stay injury-free pretty much throughout my career. And yeah, play for England. It's the best job in the world, so I've been privileged to be able to do it for a long time."

Anderson, who ended on 704 Test wickets, the third highest in the world after Muttiah Muralidaran and Shane Warne, had a chance to take his 705th on day three when Gudakesh Motie offered a return chance that the seamer shelled. The pacer states he was “gutted” to have dropped that chance.

"I'm still gutted to have dropped that catch to be honest," Anderson said.

"But yeah, it's been an amazing week. I've been quite overwhelmed with the reaction of the crowd and everyone around the ground and the lads as well, just proud of what I've achieved."

Anderson also reflected on having his family around for the final Test match, recalling the moment when his daughters rang the iconic bell to signal start of play on day one of the Test.

“Yeah, has been different emotions, been so up and down. Saw my girls ring a bell on day one. Walking out today with both teams lined up again was pretty emotional. I forgot what I was actually trying to do with the ball," Anderson said in the post-match press conference.

"It's been incredible. As I said, the reaction of the crowds was phenomenal. I can't get my head around it right now. But yeah, it's just been an amazing 20 years.”

Anderson also lauded the game that he graced for over two decades while passing on some advice to the next generation of England players.

"And it is a really special sport. I think no other sport creates this sort of atmosphere, these sorts of friendships, and part of me is a little bit jealous of these lads get to experience that for the next few years.

As I said, we've got a young team, lots of incredible talent, and the advice I'd pass on to them is just enjoy every moment, because it's a great ride."