![Anderson drops a return catch](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/cricket/2024/07/12/TELEMMGLPICT000385326761_17207833187310_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq-WkmvviWnuZjhdlbFY8dANzob8A6V2APGuRy6Bfwdgs.jpeg?imwidth=680)
Watch: James Anderson drops sitter that would have ended career on perfect note
Veteran fast bowler spills routine return catch that would have allowed him to emulate Stuart Broad’s finale last year
![Anderson drops a return catch](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/cricket/2024/07/12/TELEMMGLPICT000385326761_17207833187310_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq-WkmvviWnuZjhdlbFY8dANzob8A6V2APGuRy6Bfwdgs.jpeg?imwidth=680)
Like his good friend and long-time opening partner Stuart Broad last year, James Anderson eyed the perfect denouement to his Test career: a wicket to seal an England Test win.
At The Oval last year, Broad dismissed Alex Carey, caught by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, to seal England’s 49-run victory and an extraordinary end to his own career. Now, at Lord’s, Anderson was on the brink of emulating Broad.
With a crushing England win inevitable, Anderson was the focus of the entire final morning. The day had the feel more of a testimonial than a normal Test match. From his seventh ball, Anderson delighted the crowd by seaming a delivery away from Joshua Da Silva and inducing the edge: the 704th wicket of this astounding Test career.
With West Indies 103 for nine, Anderson began the 44th over. To left-hander Gudakesh Motie, Anderson bowled an inswinger from around the wicket. The batsman mistimed his shot; the ball looped back invitingly to the bowler off the inside edge.
Over his career, Anderson has been a terrific fielder, one of the most athletic quick bowlers; he is such an adept catcher that he has often fielded in the slips. He has taken dozens of brilliant catches. The chance offered by Motie was one of the simplest that Anderson has been offered over his 188 Tests.
Anderson plucked out his left hand to grasp the ball, when he had the time to use both hands. The ball thudded into his hand, and then went down to the ground.
The entire crowd groaned; Anderson smiled, disbelieving and then brushed his fringe away from his forehead. His perfect ending would be denied or, at least, deferred.
“I’m still gutted I dropped it to be honest.” Anderson said after the match. “It’s been an amazing week. I’ve been quite overwhelmed with the reaction of the crowd and everyone around the ground, and the lads as well. Just proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Gus Atkinson took the final wicket of the Test instead, ending a remarkable Test debut with 12 wickets in the match.