Farewell to Jimmy and a Piece of Our Souls.

Posted 2 months ago

Without us realizing it, sports can influence and define parts of our lives.

I bet you remember where you were on Super Saturday, when Ben Stokes worked his magic at Headingley, or when Andy Murray triumphed at Wimbledon.

My dad passed away in 2005. It was a tough year, but I mostly remember it for the Ashes series, my cricket club's promotion, and staying up all night to study for a university exam after Liverpool's incredible Champions League win—even though I'm not a Liverpool fan.

Athletes and players become significant figures in our lives—heroes, influencers, and sources of comfort. For over two decades, James Anderson has been more than just England's premier bowler; he's been a steadfast figure in British sports and, by extension, in our collective experience.

Think about what you were doing when Anderson made his Test debut in 2003, or even further back to his first match in an England shirt. Were you even born? If you were in high school, you might now be married with children and dealing with a hefty mortgage. Can you recall a time when Anderson wasn't part of the England team? If you're under 30, you probably can't.

In these 20-plus years, Anderson has crafted a career that would earn him a place on English cricket's Mount Rushmore.