ENG vs WI: 'It's Been an Amazing 20 Years' - James Anderson Bows Out With 704 Test Wickets

Veteran seamer James Anderson bid aideu to a 20-year Test career that included 188 Tests and 704 wicket on a high after England beat West Indies by an innings and 114 runs on Friday (July 12).

The 41-year-old ended with figures of 3 for 32 in his final innings of international cricket, removing West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite and Alick Athanaze at the close of day 2, and took the first wicket of the deciding day at Lord's sending back Joshua Da Silva.

Gus Atkinson, who is expected to lead the England attack from now, was the star of the match as the debutant registered figures of 12 for 100. Following the match, Anderson was full of praise for the 26-year-old.

"He (Atkinson) has been magnificent. Amazing week he has had. He went to India in the winter and didn't play a game. I think he is going to be an amazing cricketer," Anderson after the match.

The morning had started with Anderson, who doesn't like being the center of attention, looking emotional after being given a guard of honor from both teams - and a first standing ovation from the crowd - when he came out at the start of the day's play.

Speaking after the match while holding a pint of Guinness in the England dressing room, Anderson said: "I feel about 55 after the overs I bowled this week."

"Playing for England," he added in an interview with Sky Sports, "is the best job in the world. I've been privileged to have done it for a long time."

The veteran pacer also thanked family and people behind his journey as he bowed out of a two decade-long career in international cricket.

"It's been an amazing 20 years. Overwhelming to see the crowd reaction. It has been pretty special. Every time I wear this shirt I tried to win games for England. Has been different. Emotions have been up and down," Anderson said at the post-match presentation.

"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 familys journey as well as it is ours."

Anderson also picked his favourite moments in his career, singling out performances in Australia and India, highlighting winning those matches were special as he revealed it does hurt walking away from those moments.

"As I mentioned, winnings series and Test matches are the only thing I will be interested in. Winning in Australia, India and contributing to those wins is really, really special," Anderson added.

"It does hurt, but I have never really walked away from my responsibilities. The amount of emotions you go through in the game, the ups and downs Test cricket throws."

Anderson finished his test career four wickets behind the late Australia legspinner Shane Warne's tally of 708 wickets. Only former Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan with 800 has more wickets than the duo.

Anderson ended his test career where it started 21 years ago, when he ran in to bowl against Zimbabwe at Lord's with tinges of blond in his hair.

"I've been lucky to play with some amazing players, some of the most talented cricketers that have ever played the game," he said. "And more importantly some really good blokes and friends I have made for life.

"Part of me is jealous that these lads get to experience that for the next few years," he said, looking around the dressing room as his teammates listened to his every word. "The advice I would pass onto them is just enjoy every moment, because it's a great ride."