James Anderson becomes the 1st pacer in World Cricket to achieve this record in his Farewell Test

Published - 12 Jul 2024, 10:46 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:15 AM

James Anderson
James Anderson (Image Credits: Twitter)

Veteran England pacer James Anderson has achieved a massive milestone during the first Test match of the ongoing series against the West Indies. James Anderson has joined the elite list of legendary bowlers Muttiah Muralitharan, Anil Kumble, and Shane Warne in the international cricket bowling record.

James Anderson is set to retire from international cricket after the ongoing Test against the West Indies at Lord's in London. The right-arm pacer will end his career as the most prolific pacer in cricket history, with 990 wickets so far in international cricket. He is the highest wicket-taker for England in Test cricket.

England is likely to secure a win in the first Test match of the series on the third day. The 41-year-old will continue to be involved with the England Test team as a mentor despite his retirement. He will also mentor the squad during the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka at home next month.

James Anderson Joins Elite List Of Muttiah Muralitharan, Anil Kumble

James Anderson has made history by becoming the first pace bowler to deliver 50,000 balls in international cricket. He reached this milestone on Day 2 of his final Test match on Thursday, July 11. Anderson joined the list of Muttiah Muralitharan, Anil Kumble, and Shane Warne, who have also achieved this feat.

Most Balls Bowled In Internationals (Source: Cricbuzz)

63132 - Muttiah Muralitharan

55346 - Anil Kumble

51347 - Shane Warne

50001 - James Anderson*

The veteran cricketer also became the first fast bowler in Test cricket to deliver 40,000 balls. He has bowled over 6,000 more deliveries than his former England teammate Stuart Broad. Anderson achieved this milestone during his 188th red-ball match for England, with his total now at 40,001 deliveries.

Most Balls Bowled In Tests (Source: Cricbuzz)

44039 - Muttiah Muralitharan

40850 - Anil Kumble

40705 - Shane Warne

40001 - James Anderson*

33698 - Stuart Broad

James Anderson claimed two wickets in the second innings against the West Indies by the end of Day 2. He surpassed Anil Kumble in most wickets against the West Indies in Test cricket. He now has the second-most wickets against the West Indies, trailing only Glenn McGrath, who took 110 wickets against them.

Most Wickets Against West Indies In Tests (Source: Cricbuzz)

110 - Glenn McGrath

90 - James Anderson*

89 - Kapil Dev

86 - Fred Trueman

82 - M Muralitharan

Anderson will finish his career as the highest wicket-taker among pacers in Test history. Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne took more wickets than Anderson, with 800 and 708 wickets, respectively. Anderson has taken 990 wickets in international cricket, trailing behind Warne (1001) and Muralitharan (1347).

Coming to the match, the England bowlers bundled the West Indies for 121 runs in 41.4 overs on the opening day after winning the toss. The hosts took a significant 250-run lead after their first innings. By the end of the second day's play, the West Indies were 79/6 and 171 runs behind in their second innings.

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