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James Anderson

England star James Anderson believes the 鈥榯ime is right鈥� to end his Test career after revealing July鈥檚 clash against the West Indies at Lord鈥檚 will be his final appearance in the five-day format.

The 41-year-old became the first seamer and just the third bowler in history to reach 700 Test wickets, after spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, in his most recent outing against India in March.


But Anderson has decided to call time on his Test career after talks with England head coach Brendon McCullum, who wants to modify his side鈥檚 seam attack and build towards the future with one eye on the 2025-26 Ashes.

Setting the first Test against the West Indies as his farewell date, Anderson wrote on Instagram: 鈥楬i everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord鈥檚 will be my last Test.

鈥業t鈥檚 been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I鈥檝e loved since I was a kid.

鈥業鈥檓 going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling.鈥�

Anderson thanked his wife Daniella, their children Lola and Ruby and his parents for their support, adding: 鈥業鈥檓 excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf.

鈥楾hank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn鈥檛 show it.鈥�

It is understood McCullum made a visit to the UK recently from his native New Zealand and spoke with Anderson about his future during a round of golf.

Anderson, who made his Test debut in 2003, is second only on the all-time list of Test appearances behind batting great Sachin Tendulkar, who played 200 times in the longest format for India.

Swing specialist Anderson also featured in 194 one-day internationals and 19 Twenty20s before his international white-ball career ended in 2015 鈥�- the same year he overtook Ian Botham鈥檚 383 dismissals to become England鈥檚 record Test wicket-taker.

Three and a half years later, Anderson overhauled Australia seamer Glenn McGrath鈥檚 tally of 563 wickets to become Test cricket鈥檚 most successful fast bowler.

Anderson struggled during the drawn 2023 Ashes in England, taking only five wickets in four matches.

His long-time new-ball partner Stuart Broad, England鈥檚 second most successful bowler, retired after the dramatic finale to that Ashes, when Ben Stokes鈥檚 side won at The Oval to end the series all square at 2-2.

Anderson has taken just 15 wickets in his last eight Tests at an average of 50.8 in the last 12 months.