[Watch] James Anderson leads players on the field on Day 1 of ENG vs WI 1st Test

With legendary England seamer James Anderson playing his 188th and final Test, he led the players out on Day 1 of the 1st match of the series against the West Indies. While captains usually do it, Ben Stokes took a step back and let the 41-year-old do the honors, with the crowd at Lord's cheering for him endlessly.

With England seeking to build for the Ashes series next year Down Under against their arch-rivals, the management decided to talk Anderson into retirement. It was at the iconic Lord's where the right-arm seamer began his career and will sign off at the same venue.

With the conditions overcast in London, Stokes decided to field first. The home side chose two debutants in their playing XI in Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith. The West Indies selected one debutant in their side, with opening batter Mikyle Louis making his first appearance.

"I understand that it has to end at some point" - James Anderson

James Anderson (Image Credits: Getty)

At a pre-match press conference on Monday, the Lancashire seamer stated that he feels fit as ever, but understands the need to give youngsters a go ahead of the Ashes. As quoted by The Guardian, he claimed:

"I still feel as fit as I ever have, like I’m bowling as well as I ever have. I still think I could do a job. But at the same time I understand that it has to end at some point. It’s important that we go to that Ashes series with guys who have got experience. The fact that it’s now is just something I’ve got to deal with and accept it."

The veteran has the chance to cross Shane Warne's Test wicket tally of 708 and needs nine more to get there. The tour of India earlier this year saw him become only the third Test cricketer to cross the 700-wicket milestone, joining Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan.

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