Anderson ended his illustrious career

Sachin Tendulkar praised James Anderson for "inspiring generations" as the England great retired from international cricket on Friday.

Anderson ended his illustrious career with a typically economical 3-32 in 16 overs as England defeated the West Indies by an innings and 114 runs in the first Test at Lord's.

With this final performance, the 42-year-old paceman concluded his Test career with 704 wickets in 188 matches, making him the most successful fast bowler in Test history, behind only spinners Shane Warne (708 wickets) and Muttiah Muralitharan (800).

India's batting legend Tendulkar, who played 200 Tests himself, took to X, formerly Twitter, to pay homage: "You've mesmerised fans with your remarkable 22-year journey. Farewell with this small tribute. It's been a delight to watch you bowl – with your action, pace, precision, swing, and enduring fitness. Your game has been an inspiration for generations."

The 51-year-old, who retired in 2013 with a record 15,921 Test runs, concluded: "Wish you a wonderful life ahead with good health and happiness as you put those new shoes on for the most important spell of your life -- the time with family."