On a fateful morning during the second day of the 2015 Lord’s Ashes Test, James Anderson, along with teammates Joe Root, Mark Wood, and driver Stuart Broad, found themselves late. Australia had ended the previous day with a dominant 337 for 1, and the prospect of getting back to the grind was hardly enticing. They looped around Regent’s Park as Anderson played James Bay’s “Hold Back The River” on repeat, each rendition louder than the last. Australia ultimately triumphed by 405 runs, a stark reminder of the inevitable.
Now, nine years later, the weight of the inevitable looms larger over Anderson at Lord’s. As he approaches the twilight of his career, a decision he never fully anticipated began taking shape during a crucial meeting in Manchester last April.
The passage of time has softened the blow of this enforced decision. Yet, in a conversation on Monday, Anderson reflected on the mixed feelings accompanying his acceptance that planning for the next Ashes — by which point he will be 43 — is indeed the prudent course.
“I still feel as fit as I ever have, like I’m bowling as well as I ever have,” he remarked. “My record has got much better since turning 35. I still think I could do a job. But at the same time, I understand that it has to end at some point, and I completely accept — completely understand — their reasoning behind it.”
There is undeniable romanticism in Anderson’s journey concluding at Lord’s, the ground where it all began for him in 2003 against Zimbabwe. Though the “Home of Cricket” hasn’t always been kind to its legends, Anderson has thrived here. Of his 700 career dismissals, 119 have come at Lord’s, including career-best figures of 7 for 42 against the West Indies in 2017.
Forewarned by his imminent retirement, friends and family have made their way to share this poignant moment. Those fortunate enough to have tickets will witness a farewell steeped in history, and perhaps an extra slice of it if Anderson manages to surpass Shane Warne’s tally of 708 Test wickets. The setting, the anticipated overcast conditions, and his recent form against Nottinghamshire suggest it isn’t entirely out of reach.
Yet, there’s an unmistakable oddity about this week. Public opinion largely deems his retirement premature and harsh. If anyone has earned the right to retire on their own terms, it’s the bowler with the most wickets in Test history.
“I don’t particularly like fuss,” Anderson confessed, though he knows that’s exactly what he will receive. Had it been up to him, he would have shunned the media spotlight entirely.
The team has treated this Test no differently despite the 4-1 defeat in India and Australia’s retention of the Ashes looming over them. The sight of the uncapped Dillon Pennington practicing fervently on the Nursery Ground signals the change on the horizon
Anderson finds solace in the bigger picture. A speech from Brendon McCullum in the home dressing room emphasized focus and ignoring outside distractions. These principles have defined McCullum’s tenure and are crucial now more than ever.
“There might be a point where I start milking it,” Anderson quipped with a hint of sarcasm. “I feel so lucky to have played for as long as I have. It feels really special that I get to play for England one more time.
“His choice of words — “one more time” instead of “one last time” — reveals a hopeful outlook.
Growing up, Anderson dreamt of “just” one chance to play Test cricket for England. It’s a poetic irony that his illustrious era will end at Lord’s, where that dream first came true.
