DAVID LLOYD: We can safely say that Jimmy Anderson is England’s greatest bowler of all time

I’m absolutely thrilled for Jimmy, having followed his progress all the way from his debut for Lancashire back in 2002. 

It’s been a real privilege, and we can safely say he’s England’s greatest bowler of all time. 

I know Fred Trueman might dispute that, but even he’d have to concede that 600 Test wickets isn’t a bad haul.

Jimmy Anderson achieved 600 wickets on the final day of the third Test against Pakistan

The ecstasy was written all over his face as he drew a thick edge from Pakistan’s Azhar Ali 

The thing about Jimmy is he’s the ultimate professional. He’s 38, but he’s still so lithe and athletic. 

Look at him in the field. Some fast bowlers aged 30 just amble around, but Jimmy’s like a whippet. He’s kept himself in shape, and his longevity has been crucial.

Although he hails from just a few miles away from me in Burnley, I’ve never got to know him well on a personal level. But I do know that he’s got that Burnley stubbornness about him, which has served him well down the years. 

Each team-mate took turns to embrace Anderson with their heartfelt congratulations

I remember Duncan Fletcher coming to me when he became England coach and saying: ‘What’s young Anderson like? I can’t get anything out of him!’ 

I just told him that’s how they are in Burnley. Don’t take it personally…

Some will wonder how long Jimmy can keep going, but in my view it’s a daft question. There’s no one tapping him on the shoulder because he just keeps producing the goods. What a bowler. I wonder if we’ll ever see his like again.