England cricket great James Anderson bows out with a pint

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James Anderson toasted his farewell to international cricket with a well-deserved pint of Guinness.

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The 41-year-old Englishman, who is considered the greatest fast bowler to play the game, signed off in grand style by taking the wicket of West Indies wicket-keeper Josh Da Silva in the thumping victory over the visitors by an innings and 114 runs in the first Test.

In a classic delivery that exemplified his great two-decade career of delivering swing and length, he made Da Silva his 704th victim.

Hundreds of fans showed up to bid their goodbyes to the Englishman in front of the iconic famous old pavilion at Lord’s as he waved to the crowd and downed the black stuff in a matter of seconds before raising the tumbler to the crowd in celebration.

Anderson’s exciting career began at the same ground in 2003 and his illustrious career spanned 21 years, during which he earned 188 caps.

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“I’m still trying to hold them (tears) back now. It’s been quite emotional … the reaction from the crowd was pretty special,” Anderson said. “I’m really proud because playing for 20-odd years is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler, and I’m just happy that I’ve made it this far.”

Anderson’s haul of 704 wickets places him in third place behind the greatest spin bowler of all time, Muttiah Muralitharan, who had 800 wickets, and the late Australian Shane Warne, who signed off with 708.

Players and Anderson’s admirers took to social media to pay homage to this great paceman and leading the tributes was India’s legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

“Hey Jimmy! You’ve bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell. Here’s a little wish as you bid goodbye. It has been a joy to watch you bowl – with that action, speed, accuracy, swing and fitness. You’ve inspired generations with your game.

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“Wish you a wonderful life ahead with good health and happiness as you put those new shoes on for the most important spell of your life – the time with family,” Tendulkar posted.

Anderson’s final day was upstaged by newcomer Gus Atkinson who is likely to step into his shoes with a haul of 12 for 106 while Anderson plugged in with 11 for 71.

PAKISTANIS A NO-SHOW?

Shaheen Shah Afridi dropped in early for the fourth annual Global T20 tournament that starts at the CAA Centre in Brampton on July 25 and he was greeted by heavy showers and high temperatures.

His decision to compete in Canada thrilled thousands of local Pakistani fans who were looking to watch this great fast bowler operate right here.

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But this could be a wasted journey for him and the other three internationals inked to play here — Pakistan captain Babar Azam, fast bowler Mohammad Amir and star batsman-wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan.

Afridi was a prized catch for Global T20 league as he turned down a lucrative offer made by The Hundred in England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board, still reeling from the disastrous showing of its national squad in the World Twenty20 Cup, delivered a shot below the belt by withdrawing their no-objection certificates — a document that all international players require before playing in tournaments around the world.

Reports out of Lahore on Tuesday said all-format players will not be issued NOCs as it wants to manage their workload prior to a major tour.

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But since the national team has no commitments until late August, the decision not to issue NOCs has the players shaking their heads in disgust.

What better time to create discontent among the affected players when it cannot really afford to?

Pakistan’s next international commitment isn’t until Aug. 21, when it takes on Bangladesh in a two-match Test series, but a communique states it needs the players rested and match-fit for that encounter.

The other Pakistani player to take it on the chin has been promising young pace bowler Naseem Shah, who was to play in The Hundred and was to earn $150,000.

Following that two-match series against Bangladesh, Pakistan embarks on a packed schedule from October to May of next year, with tours to England, Australia, Zimbabwe and a home series featuring the West Indies, South Africa and New Zealand.

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NEW-LOOK AUSSIE SQUAD

Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins has been left out of Australia’s white-ball tour of England and Scotland in September and the man who should have been included in Australia’s World Twenty20 Cup squad finally gets his chance.

The hard-hitting and exciting 22-year-old Jake Fraser-McGurk, who was a smashing success with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, will replace the now-retired 37-year-old David Warner for the three matches versus Scotland before a further three T20s and five one-day internationals against England.

Canadian fans will see Warner in action in the Global T20 League.

Cricket Australia gave Cummins a chance to play for Major Cricket League’s San Francisco Unicorns in the U.S while Mitch Marsh will captain both the teams on the tour of Britain.

In other Aussie news, IPL’s Delhi Capitals parted ways with coach Ricky Ponting after seven years. No explanation was given.

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