‘I’m trying to concentrate on not crying’: James Anderson’s emotional confession before his farewell test

Legendary England bowler James Anderson is set to end his glittering career at Lords against the West Indies in the first Test of a three-match series. It will be his 188th Test match – he has already collected 700 scalps and will be hoping to add a few more to his tally in the farewell clash. However, his main concern at the moment is to keep himself from crying.

Anderson is focused on helping his team win another game, but he admits it will be an emotional journey for him.

“I feel pretty normal going into these last two days of practice. I try not to think too much about the game itself. The big thing for me this week is to play well, play well and win. That’s what I’m really trying to focus on. I’m sure the emotions throughout the week will change. So that’s what I’m trying to focus on to keep myself from crying,” Anderson said.

Even after playing 187 Test matches, Anderson said he gave it his all and trained as hard as he could for his final game.

“Playing my 188th Test at almost 42 years of age makes me very proud and I continue to push myself to be the best I can be. Even though I have one game left to play, I have tried to train as hard as I can,” Anderson said.

The Englishman will end his career as the fastest bowler in Test cricket history and as the player with the second-most Test runs after Indian great Sachin Tendulkar, who played 200 matches in the longest format.

However, the legendary pacer is yet to make a final decision on whether the Lord’s Test would also be his last first-class match or whether he would play for the Lancashire county team.

“I’ve always loved being on the field for Lancashire,” said Anderson, who recently took an impressive 7-35 for the county.

“I haven’t played much for them in the last 20 years, but I’ve always tried to give my best.”