James Anderson said he would like to be remembered as a “decent” bowler after he ended his legendary England career with victory over West Indies.
Anderson took one more wicket as England wrapped up an innings win on the third morning, to end with 704 and sit third on the all-time list of Test bowlers.
In moving and celebratory scenes at Lord’s, Anderson was given a guard of honour by both teams at the beginning of the day, then later appeared on the England balcony as spectators were allowed onto the outfield.
“The way I have loved the sport so much, I would love for there to be people out there that have taken up the game because they have watched me bowl,” said the 41-year-old.
“That people have been entertained by watching me bowl and there are kids or grown-ups who have taken up the art of swing bowling because they have seen me bowl. That would make me so happy.”
Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, is the most successful pace bowler in the history of the game, with only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne ahead of him on the all-time list.
In a 21-year career he won 188 Test caps, more than any other England player, but said he retires without ever feeling like he was a “great” of the game.
“You go so up and down,” he told Sky Sports. “Some series you feel amazing and some not quite on it and a batter gets the better of you.
“Playing against Virat Kohli in the early days, you felt you could get him out every ball and then recently like you can’t get him out at all. You feel so inferior.
“I have never felt great at any stage. I know that sounds strange. I have always thought ‘how can I get better for the next series?’. That has helped me play for such a long time.”