James Anderson, the highest wicket-taker among pace bowlers in Test cricket, will play his final red-ball game for England in July.

The veteran fast bowler, who reached the landmark of 700 Test wickets in the Dharamsala Test against India earlier this year, announced the decision on social media.

"I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling," Anderson wrote.

At 41, Anderson has played Test cricket for over two decades to become one of the greatest bowlers the format has seen. He made his Test debut at Lord’s in 2003 and has taken 700 wickets in 187 Tests.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it’s always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn’t show it. See you at the Test," he wrote.

England host West Indies in a three-match ICC World Test Championship series in July, starting with the first Test at Lord's.