James Anderson gets emotional bidding adieu to ‘best mate’ Alastair Cook

The fifth Test against India at the Oval marked the highest point in the career of England quick James Anderson for he became the world’s highest wicket-taking fast bowler in Tests but it also had a moment of sadness for him. The match saw the final international appearance of his “best mate”, former captain Alastair Cook – who announced his retirement before the start of the match.

Both Anderson and Cook had a memorable game at the Oval which England won by 118 runs to win the series 4-1. While Cook blasted a century in the second innings after a half-century in the first to give his career a perfect finish, 35-year-old Anderson surpassed Australian legend Glenn McGrath’s Test wicket tally of 563 to become the fourth-most successful bowler in the all-time list. He is now preceded only by three spinners.

He was there for me all the time

Anderson was caught by Sky Sports for an on-ground talk after the game and the latter had a choked voice when asked whether he will miss Cook. “Yea absolutely. He is my best mate. He’s been brilliant and been there for me all the time,” the pacer said laughing, trying to hide his emotional side. The anchor told him: “I leave you there.”

Anderson had to wait till the last wicket of the series to go past McGrath when he castled Mohammed Shami to register England’s win. He ended up as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 24 scalps. His time with Cook in the dressing room saw England going through many highs and lows and the departure of his co-warrior on many occasions certainly left Anderson with teary eyes.

The pacer made his international debut against Australia in Melbourne in 2002 and has played 143 Tests since playing his first at Lord’s in 2003. Cook, on the other hand, made his debut in 2006 and finished with 161 Tests in a span of 12 years, scoring nearly 13,000 runs. He is the only England batsman to score five-digit runs in Tests.

Here is the video where Anderson talks about Cook’s influence:

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