[Watch] Sachin Tendulkar pays fitting tribute to retiring James Anderson
Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar paid a heartwarming tribute to retiring England great James Anderson through the Lancashire social media handle on July 12. Anderson played his final international game in England's innings and 114 runs victory against the West Indies that ended earlier today at Lord's.
The 41-year-old enjoyed a terrific finale, picking up four wickets in the match, including 3/32 in the second innings. Anderson finished his career as the third all-time leading wicket-taker in Test history with 704 scalps behind only Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warner.
Here's Tendulkar's video tribute to Anderson shared by the Lancashire Twitter handle:
Sachin Tendulkar also wished Anderson on his retirement through his own Twitter handle a few minutes back.
The duo had several engrossing battles against each other in Tests and ODIs from the early 2000s until Tendulkar's retirement in 2013.
Anderson had the better of the Indian legend, dismissing him nine times in Test cricket with Tendulkar averaging under 24. However, the Little Master held his own in ODIs, averaging almost 47 while being dismissed only thrice.
The two legends are the top two for most Tests played with 200 (Tendulkar) and 188 (Anderson), respectively.
"Every time I wear this shirt I tried to win games for England" - James Anderson
James Anderson expressed his honor at representing England and winning games for them over two decades after his international career ended at Lord's on July 12.
The veteran pacer finished with an incredible 991 wickets across formats in international cricket, which is third all-time.
At the post-match presentation after England's thumping win against the West Indies, Anderson summed up his amazing career by saying:
"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. 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."
He added:
"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 finishes as England's most successful bowler and the leading wicket-taker among pacers across formats.
Meanwhile, England will open their chapter without Anderson in the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, starting July 18.