James Anderson outlines England retirement timeline

The 41-year-old's international career will end where it began in 2003, when he debuted against Zimbabwe, following talks with team management about his future

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James Anderson will call time on his record-breaking England career after the first Test against West Indies this July.

The 41-year-old Burnley-born seamer, who has taken 700 wickets in 187 Tests, confirmed the decision following reports the management wanted to move on this summer.

Anderson confirmed the news on Saturday (May 11) in a statement released via Instagram, in which he paid tribute to his family and team-mates across a decorated international career.

Related: James Anderson announces retirement plans - statement in full

"It's been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I've loved since I was a kid," Anderson, who debuted against Zimbabwe in 2003, said. 

"I'm going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling.

"I couldn't have done it without the love and support of Daniella, Lola, Ruby and my parents. A huge thank you to them. Also, thank you to the players and coaches who have made this the best job in the world."

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Anderson celebrates going past Glenn McGrath to become Test cricket's most successful seam bowler (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

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Broad and Anderson: England's finest bowling partnership (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The Lancastrian will take his leave from England almost exactly 12 months on from Stuart Broad's retirement from all cricket following last year's Ashes series.

Though part of four Ashes-winning campaigns, including the success down under in 2010/11, he will be best remembered for his consistency across over 20 years of service.

George Dobell - James Anderson's imminent retirement provokes an important question: Where do England go from here?

His Test career has been a continual stream of landmarks: surpassing Ian Botham as England's most potent seamer in Antigua in 2015, bringing up 500 by bowling Kraigg Brathwaite, passing Glenn McGrath's 563 wickets against India in 2018 and then claiming No.700 in the recent series in India.

Though it is nine years since his last white-ball international, he played 194 ODIs and 19 T20Is for England and was a member of the World Cup squad which went all the way in the West Indies in 2010.

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