James Anderson given guard of honour as England legend prepares to bow out after West Indies clash
James Anderson has been given a brilliant guard of honour ahead of day three of England's Test match against West Indies on Friday
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James Anderson has been given a brilliant guard of honour ahead of day three of England's Test match against West Indies on Friday.
The 41-year-old is retiring from international cricket after the fixture, though will then join the Three Lions' backroom staff for the rest of the summer.
Anderson is an England legend and arguably the greatest bowler in the country's entire history.
And he was fittingly given a guard of honour on Friday as he made his way out onto the field, with both England and West Indies players taking part.
James Anderson has been given a brilliant guard of honour ahead of day three of England's Test match against West Indies on Friday
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England go into the final day's play needing four wickets to win the match.
And Anderson has helped them move a step closer to victory, with the veteran claiming the wicket of Joshua Da Silva early on.
The England star had a big smile on his face as he made his mark, with his team-mates rushing to celebrate with him.
Anderson has taken over 700 wickets for the Three Lions during his international career.
And the England star is hoping to bow out on a high, with the country so close to securing victory in the first match of the series.
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Speaking before the first Test, Anderson shed more light on his retirement.
He insisted he was 'at peace' with the decision, despite it being enforced by the likes of Rob Key, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.
“I wouldn’t say it was a surprise because when the three big dogs invited me to a hotel in Manchester for a chat I didn’t think it was just a normal appraisal," he said.
“I had a suspicion that that was going to be the case.
"I think they were surprised at how calm I was when I reacted.
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"I think I was probably surprised at my reaction.
"I wasn’t overly emotional about it or angry about it or anything.”
He added: I saw their point of view and appreciated them taking the time out to lay it out for me, the reasoning and stuff like that.
"Since then I’ve come to terms with it and made peace with that decision.”
Anderson also insists he's still performing well, despite his international career coming to a close.
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“I feel like I’m still bowling as well as I ever have," he continued.
"But I knew it had to end at some point.
James Anderson insists he's at peace with his retirement as the England star goes up against the West Indies
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"Whether it’s now or in a year or two... I’d love just to be able to contribute somehow this week.
“Whether it’s one wicket or whatever it is, I’d love just to make a small contribution and win the game.”