Excited James Anderson wants to keep emotions aside for farewell Test

England pacer James Anderson is in the twilight of his career. The veteran seamer had no intention to hang up his boots but the team management wants to move on and build a new seam attack for Ashes 2025 - which is roughly 18 months away. Anderson noted that it won’t be possible for him to guarantee his availability for the series, which is still far away, which eventually led him to announce his retirement.

The first Test against West Indies at Lord’s will be Anderson’s final assignment in international cricket. Ahead of that, the 41-year-old expressed that he was extremely emotional and hoped that he wouldn’t cry in the middle during or after the match. Anderson also stated that he is excited and happy that his friends and fans are backing him in what ‘was a strange couple of months’. 

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On the eve of his final game, the Burnley-born pacer added that he is not trying to think too much about the game and his final outing and is ready to enjoy what’s coming in the upcoming week.

“I'm trying not to think too much about the game itself yet, or certainly how I'd feel about it. I'm trying to be as focused as I can. The big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well and get a win. That's what I'm trying to focus on really. I'm sure the emotions during the week will change, but right now that's what I'm trying to focus on to stop myself crying,” Anderson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

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“It's been a strange couple of months. I feel pretty happy with where things are now and pretty excited for the week as well. I think having quite a few friends and family come down for the week, which is good. I've had a lot of people who've stopped me in the street or met out and about saying that they're coming to the game. I'm just excited for the week,” he added.