Jimmy Anderson’s Final Test Preparation Shines with a Remarkable Performance

Despite nearing his 42nd birthday, Jimmy Anderson demonstrated his enduring talent with a spectacular seven-wicket haul for Lancashire in his first game of the season. This performance serves as a prelude to his final Test match next week.

In April, Anderson declared that the upcoming series opener against the West Indies, beginning next Wednesday, would mark his 188th and final Test appearance, concluding an unparalleled international career.

However, judging by his performance in Southport, it seems Brendon McCullum's gentle push towards retirement might have been premature. Having not played since March, when he became the first fast bowler to achieve 700 Test wickets, Anderson showed no signs of rust as he delivered 20 exceptional overs against Nottinghamshire. His opening spell was particularly impressive, resulting in the second-best figures of his extensive 297-match, 22-year first-class career, claiming six wickets in just 36 balls.

Nathan Lyon, a long-time Ashes adversary and now a teammate at Lancashire, expressed his amazement at Anderson’s performance, noting the visible class and skill he displayed. Lyon mentioned how partnering with Anderson was one of the major attractions of joining Lancashire, and witnessing his prowess firsthand was a unique experience.

On a slow pitch, Anderson's vintage form was well worth the wait for the crowd of nearly 1,500. Nottinghamshire had opted to bowl first on Sunday, leading to Lancashire amassing 344 for eight, with a stellar performance by captain Keaton Jennings. After rain washed out play on Monday, Jennings declared early on day three, recognising the favourable bowling conditions and giving Anderson the opportunity to shine. Anderson responded with a brilliant new-ball spell of 10 overs.

In his initial spell, Anderson bowled Haseeb Hameed, whose defensive stroke deflected the ball back onto the stumps. Will Young was caught behind with a delivery perfectly placed outside off stump. Joe Clarke, Jack Haynes, Lyndon James, and Liam Patterson-White soon followed, succumbing to Anderson's skilful bowling.

Anderson took lunch with figures of six for 19. Tom Bailey then captured two quick wickets, quashing hopes of a 10-wicket haul for Anderson. Anderson did, however, secure his seventh wicket by having Dillon Pennington caught in the slips, with a Lyon direct hit concluding Nottinghamshire’s innings.

In their follow-on innings, Lyon took the wickets of both openers, Haseeb Hameed and Ben Slater. The latter, who had carried his bat for 64 in the first innings, became Lyon’s 800th first-class wicket. The combined presence of Anderson and Lyon brought Lancashire’s Test wicket tally to an unprecedented 1,230.

Lyon, in his final game for Lancashire, has endeared himself to both players and fans, claiming 26 wickets at an average of 28.8. Although Anderson has remained quiet since announcing his retirement, this performance suggests he still has much to offer and could continue playing for the county.