James Anderson has signed off from international cricket with his 704th and final Test wicket, ending a glittering 21-year career during England’s emphatic win over West Indies.

The seamer, aged 41 years and 348 days, had Joshua Da Silva caught behind on his final day of Test cricket.

He spurned a golden opportunity to make it 705 wickets, shelling a simple catch from Gudakesh Motie before smiling ruefully at the miss.

“I am still gutted I dropped that catch,” he told Sky Sports as he sat in the England dressing room with a pint.

It was the only negative for Anderson on a day in which he demonstrated his skill one final time for an appreciative Lord’s crowd, repeatedly beating the outside edge with seam and swing.

Anderson, who finished with match figures of 4-58, said he would miss competing at the highest level, adding that there was “no better feeling” than winning a Test.

Asked what he was going to do next, Anderson — who is joining the England coaching set-up — said: “I’ve not really thought that far ahead.

“I’m going to stick around with these guys for the rest of the summer, try and help the bowling group out as much as I can and we’ll see where life takes us after that.”

Anderson has certainly earned a rest, having sent down his 40,000th delivery in Test cricket late on day two, more than any other seam bowler and putting him fourth on the all-time list.

England captain Ben Stokes described Anderson as “an incredible inspiration for so many people”.

“He’s really keen to help the fast bowlers [in his coaching role]. I don’t think I could think of a better person to be able to do that,” Stokes said.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite said Anderson was a “legend of the game”.

Former players also paid tribute, with India great Sachin Tendulkar taking to social media to praise Anderson’s contribution to the game.

“It has been a joy to watch you bowl — with that action, speed, accuracy, swing and fitness,” Tendulkar wrote on X.

“You’ve inspired generations with your game.”

While Anderson leaves big shoes to fill, Gus Atkinson took 12 wickets in an impressive performance on debut as England cruised to victory by an innings and 114 runs.

Anderson was full of praise for Atkinson, despite the paceman’s wickets denying him a chance to catch Shane Warne (708) in second on the list of all-time Test wicket takers.

“He’s going to be an amazing cricketer for England,” Anderson said.

Anderson played 188 Tests after making his debut against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in 2003.

Reuters