'Joy to watch you bowl, you inspired generations', Sachin's moving tribute to James Anderson

James Anderson, regarded as one of the greatest bowlers not just from this generation but also in the history of the game, retired from international cricket on Friday. The 41-year-old Anderson, who made his England debut in 2002, played 188 Test matches and 194 ODIs for his national side in a career spanning 22 years.

IANS

Third-highest wicket-taker

Anderson bid adieu to the game as the third-highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket with 704 wickets to his name, just four wickets behind the legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne, who claimed 708 wickets in 145 games.

Also read: 1039 Wickets In 138 Tests - James Anderson And Stuart Broad Formed The Best Combination

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Sachin pays tribute

As Anderson hung up his boots, the cricket world came together to congratulate him for a stellar career and thank him for his services to the game. Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar paid a glowing tribute to Jimmy, saying it was a ¡°joy to watch¡± him bowl.

"Hey Jimmy! You've bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell. Here's a little wish as you bid goodbye. It has been a joy to watch you bowl - with that action, speed, accuracy, swing, and fitness. You've inspired generations with your game. Wish you a wonderful life ahead with good health and happiness as you put those new shoes on for the most important spell of your life - the time with family," Tendulkar wrote on social media.

Also read: At 40 Years And 207 Days, James Anderson Is The Oldest Cricketer To Top Test Rankings

Hey Jimmy!

You've bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell. Here's a little wish as you bid goodbye.

It has been a joy to watch you bowl - with that action, speed, accuracy, swing and fitness. You've inspired generations with your game.

Wish you a wonderful life¡­ pic.twitter.com/ETp2e6qIQ1

¡ª Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 12, 2024

Thank you for 20 amazing years

Anderson drew curtains on a legendary Test career at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London as England beat the West Indies by an innings and 114 runs on Friday. As the crowd chanted his name one last time, Anderson thanked them for their support over the two decades and said he was overwhelmed to see the reaction.

AP

"It's been an amazing 20 years. Overwhelming to see the crowd's reaction. It has been pretty special. Every time I wear this shirt, I try to win games for England. It has been different. Emotions have been up and down. Seeing my girls ring the bell on Day 1. It has been an amazing 20 years. You can't have a long career without the support network behind you. It's the family's journey as well as it is ours," Anderson said.

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