James Anderson ‘still bowling as well as ever’ before final Test v West Indies

Following his Test retirement, Anderson will immediately join the England coaching team as a mentor. He said he is unlikely to play for Lancashire again this year, but did not rule out playing on next season.

“Coming off the back of seven-for last week, obviously I feel like I’m still bowling as well as I ever have,” he said.

“If I feel like I can still contribute to Lancashire or they need me, then I’m sure that’s a conversation we’ll have in the next few months.”

With Anderson’s long-time new-ball partner Stuart Broad retiring after last year’s final Ashes Test, it means England’s two leading Test wicket-takers will exit in back-to-back home Tests, albeit almost 12 months apart.

Broad enjoyed a fairytale departure, hitting the final ball he faced as a batter for six, then taking a wicket to win the Test with his final delivery as a bowler.

Anderson said that was a “lot to live up to” and he feels “normal” going into the concluding chapter of his storied England career.

“I’m trying not to think too much about the game itself yet, or how I’d feel about it,” he said. “The big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well and get a win.

“I’m sure the emotions during the week will change, but right now that’s what I’m trying to focus on to stop myself crying.”