NEW DELHI: Legendary seamer James Anderson bid farewell to an illustrious Test career that spanned 188 matches and more than two decades as England secured a resounding innings and 114-run victory against West Indies on Friday.
Following Anderson’s retirement, the cricket community took to social media to pay tribute to the swing master’s remarkable achievements.
Pakistan’s T20 captain, Babar Azam, also took the opportunity to congratulate Anderson on his outstanding career. However, Babar faced criticism for his post on the social media platform ‘X’, which led him to delete the original message.
In the deleted post, Babar wrote, “It was a privilege to face your cutters, Jimmy! The beautiful game will now miss one of its greatest. Your incredible service to the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. Huge respect for you, GOAT!”
After fans pointed out that Anderson rarely bowled cutters to Babar, the 29-year-old made a slight alteration to his post, substituting the word “cutters” with “swing”.
“It was a privilege to face your swing, Jimmy! The beautiful game will now miss one of its greatest. Your incredible service to the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. Huge respect for you, GOAT,” he posted later.
Since Babar made the change, the internet has been humorously mocking the batter. The reactions from the online community have been diverse and entertaining.

In the match, England’s seamers capitalized on a 250-run lead, reducing West Indies to six wickets down by stumps on day two. While Atkinson once again excelled, Anderson set the pace with a magnificent delivery that seamed back to castle Kraigg Brathwaite.
Anderson concluded his career with an impressive 704 Test wickets, just four behind the late Shane Warne, and the most by any fast bowler in the history of the game.