James Anderson bows out with a win as fans pay tribute to England legend after West Indies win
James Anderson bowed out with a win as England beat West Indies in the first Test match of their series on Friday.
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James Anderson bowed out with a win as England beat West Indies by an innings and 114 runs in the first Test match of their series on Friday.
The 41-year-old is retiring from international Test cricket after a glittering 21-year spell where he established himself as one of the greatest bowlers of all time.
England needed four wickets at the start of Friday's morning session against the West Indies.
And Anderson immediately got the ball rolling, with the veteran removing Joshua Da Silva - who was caught by Jamie Smith.
James Anderson bowed out with a win as England beat West Indies in the first Test match of their series on Friday.
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Gus Atkinson, who is playing in his first Test match for England, then removed Alazarri Joseph to claim his 10th wicket.
The debutant quickly made it 11, clean bowling Shamar Joseph.
It looked as though Anderson would steal the show when Gudakesh Motie chipped a shot back.
But Anderson uncharacteristically dropped the West Indies star, making England wait in the process.
Fans within Lord's were desperate to see the veteran claim the final wicket.
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Yet it was Atkinson who bowled England to victory, with the 26-year-old removing Jayden Seales.
With 12 wickets from his first Test match, it seems to be a changing of the guard. The old is moving on - and it's time for the new.
Atkinson finished the match with 5-61 to go with his first innings of 7-47.
Anderson took the match ball after his triumph and soaked in the applause from the stands.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan reacted by saying: "It has been an emotional week. James Anderson has been given a great reception throughout this match.
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"He is going to get one huge one now."
Fans on social media have paid tribute to Anderson, with one user saying: "Thank you James Michael Anderson for everything you've done for this beautiful game."
England's Barmy Army said: "Jimmy Anderson. The greatest."
A third said: "What can we say, but thank you."
A fourth stated: "What a player, Jimmy Anderson."
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James Anderson was given a guard of honour prior to England's win over the West Indies
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And a fifth said: "James Anderson retires with 704 Test wickets.
"A true legend, Thank You Jimmy!"
Phil Tufnell, meanwhile, has hailed Anderson and called him a 'bona fide legend of the game'.
"An absolute bona fide legend of the game," he said.
"The longevity, the skill, the sacrifice, the smile, the highs and lows. He is part of the furniture. Like a big comfy sofa for England cricket.
James Anderson has been hailed by England fans after bowing out against the West Indies
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"When the going gets tough he has always been there to bowl that spell, give the skipper something.
"It has been an emotional day, but he got the send off he thoroughly deserves."