The fifth Ashes test begins at the Oval on Thursday with Australia still leading the series 2-1 which Anderson is set to feature in. 

But at the age 40, there are some who may think it is now time for the seam bowler to bring what has been a memorable career to an end. 

While Anderson has previously stated that he has no plans to retire after the conclusion of this year's Ashes series, Harmison is worried that he will not be able to leave the sport on his terms and instead be forced out due to injury. 

"I really hope the Oval is the last of Jimmy. Not for anything other than, Jimmy is a really good friend of mine, he's an absolute national treasure, it would break my heart if he had to retire off the back of an injury," Harmison told OnlineCricketBetting. 

“I'm not saying Jimmy Anderson should retire on ability but as a friend, I'd love to see him retire at the Oval because I think this country needs to send him off with a massive thank you because of what he's given to this country. 

“I wouldn't like to see that against the West Indies, I wouldn't like to see that against Sri Lanka. Even though England haven't won the Ashes, Australia have retained them, I'd love to see 2-2 at the end of the Oval, a full house, Jimmy getting the send off that he deserves in the biggest competitive battle that he has craved which has been in the squad in 2005, and then leaving cricket in the 2023 Ashes."

Anderson is England's leading wicket taker with 689 dismissals and he will be looking to add to that total over the next five days at the Oval.