Without us realizing, sport can shape and define significant moments in our lives.

You probably remember where you were during Super Saturday, Ben Stokes’ Headingley heroics, or Andy Murray’s Wimbledon victory.

In 2005, despite the personal grief of losing my father, I vividly recall the Ashes, my cricket club’s promotion, and the unforgettable night Liverpool won the Champions League.

Athletes become central figures in our lives—heroes, influencers, and comforters. For over two decades, James Anderson has been more than just England’s new ball guardian; he’s been a stalwart in British sport and a constant in our collective experience.

Think back to Anderson’s Test debut in 2003. Were you even born? If you were taking your GCSEs then, you might now have a family and a mortgage. For those under 30, it’s hard to imagine a time when Anderson wasn’t part of England’s cricket team.

In those 20-plus years, Anderson has crafted a career worthy of English cricket’s Mount Rushmore.

“I’m still bowling as well as ever,” Anderson once said.