Jimmy Anderson has confirmed his retirement from cricket - stating the first Test of the summer against the West Indies at Lord's will be his last for England.
It was reported on Friday evening that England would look to move on from Anderson at the end of the summer, but the man himself has now said he will call time on his iconic career following the Lord's clash in July.
In a statement on Instagram, he wrote: "Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last Test.
"It’s been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid. 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.
"I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf. Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it’s always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn’t show it."
Anderson will finish his career as England's all-time leading wicket taker. In an extraordinary 21-year stint at the top, he has taken 700 scalps across 187 matches for England in the game's longest format.
It's a tally that leaves him behind only spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan worldwide. He would need eight wickets to draw level with Aussie legend Warne in his final Test.
Anderson hasn't played a one-day international for England since 2015 in a bid to preserve his career at Test level. In 194 ODIs, he took 269 wickets.
His decision to retire comes after talks with England coach Brendon McCullum prior to the start of the Test summer. Anderson has previously rebuffed talk of retirement, stating he believes he is as fit as he has ever been.
There were even suggestions he could go on the next Ashes tour in 2025-26, by which time he will be 43. But Anderson has taken just 15 wickets in his last eight Test at an average of over 50 and will now sail off into the sunset.