One of the finest seam bowlers the world has ever seen, England’s James Anderson, called time on his illustrious career on Friday when his team defeated England in a lopsided Test match. Anderson finished his career with 704 scalps in the longest format of the game, a record unmatched by any pace bowler in the world. As Anderson bid farewell to the Gentleman’s Game, well-wishes poured in on social media as cricketers and fans alike congratulated the GOAT pacer. However, Pakistan captain Babar Azam made a blunder when he saluted Anderson on his retirement. Babar said it was a privilege to meet Anderson’s “cutters”.
“It was a privilege to face your cutters Jimmy! The beautiful game will now be without one of its finest. Your incredible service to the game is nothing short of remarkable. Huge respect to you GOAT,” Babar posted on X (formerly Twitter), before deleting it.
it is a privilege to witness Babar Azam's reverse swing photo.twitter.com/QDegwq9IQ7
— Sunil the cricketer (@1sInto2s) July 12, 2024
He later wrote the correct version, which read: “It was a privilege to witness your swing, Jimmy!
The beautiful game will now be missing one of its greatest. Your incredible service to the sport is nothing short of remarkable. Huge respect to you, GOAT.”
It was a privilege to witness your swing, Jimmy!
The beautiful game will now be missing one of its greatest. Your incredible service to the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. Huge respect to you, GOAT photo.twitter.com/fE2NMz4Iey
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) July 12, 2024
Anderson ended his legendary Test career spanning 188 Test matches and more than two decades on a high note when England defeated West Indies by an innings and 114 runs on Friday.
After the match, Anderson said it had been an amazing 20-year journey with England Cricket. The veteran sailor added that he had been overwhelmed by the crowd's reaction.
He added that it was also his family's journey.
“It's been an amazing 20 years. It's been overwhelming to see the reaction from the crowd. It's been pretty special. Every time I wear this shirt I'm trying to win games for England. It's been different. Emotions have been up and down. Watching my daughters ring the bell on day one. It's been an amazing 20 years. You can't have a long career without the support network behind you. It's a family journey, just like ours,” Anderson said.
In remembrance of the first Test match between England and West Indies, Anderson took the first wicket of the day at Lord's, sending back Joshua Da Silva to end West Indies' struggles.
But while Anderson was showing his worth for the last time, there was Gus Atkinson, making his Test debut and adding his name to the Lord's honours list with a ten-wicket haul. It was a fitting passing of the baton.
With ANI inputs
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