"We ended up having beer and few wings at 5 in the morning" - James Anderson narrates amusing tale ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

Former England pacer James Anderson has revealed a story from his last day playing Test cricket, involving Joe Root. The batter had decided to stay back with Anderson while the other players went to a nightclub after the match. Anderson played his last Test against West Indies at Lord's in July 2024.

The 42-year-old spoke about how he, Root and a few of the fast bowler's friends decided to go out to find a place that served drinks and ended up having beer and chicken at 5 am in the morning.

"He's (Root) an absolutely legend of a human. We were in the dressing room for quite a bit after my last day of Test cricket. A majority of the lads went to a nightclub. We were in the hotel bar and I said to Joe 'you going to go with the lads?' and he was like, 'No, I am going where you are going tonight'.

"So we stayed at the hotel bar, my family and friends, and then my two best mates from Burnley came to the game as well. We went out, tried to find a late drink somewhere and got to about 5 'o' clock and somehow there was a chicken shop open just outside and we ended up having a beer and few wings at five in the morning watching the sun come up", Anderson told William Hill Sports Book Club (via TalkSport).

The former England pacer also predicted that Root would end up becoming the leading run-scorer in Tests. The 42-year-old said that the right-hander was one of the best batters that England had produced and complimented him for his professional approach to the game.

Root currently has 13006 runs in 153 Tests for England and is fifth on the all-time list for batters with most runs in Test cricket.

"He's incredible. One of maybe the best batters we have had. I think he'll end up being the leading run-scorer for sure. But I think he is more than that. His professionalism, the way he constantly works at his game—a great example to anyone, young or old. Just a great human being off the field. Would do anything for anyone, really sweet guy," Anderson said.

James Anderson says winning the Ashes in Australia is his number one moment

In a career spanning over 20 years, James Anderson experienced several highs as an England cricketer. The 42-year-old rated winning the Ashes series in Australia in 2010-11 as the number one moment for him.

"I think winning in Australia hands down number one for me because of the whole experience as a group. Everyone was coming to form at the right time. The impact I personally had on the series as well. I don't think I have had as big an impact on a series as that. Playing all five games. I feel that was the best series I have had personally and of course, winning in Australia for the first time in 24 years. I don't think we have won there since. So it was quite a big win for us and something that I don't think can be topped," Anderson said.

Anderson played 188 Test matches for England, claiming 704 wickets to finish third on the list of bowlers with most wickets in Test cricket.