James Anderson becomes the first ever fast bowler to pick 700 wickets in international cricket
Published - 09 Mar 2024, 11:09 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:27 AM
Veteran England fast bowler James Anderson achieved a massive milestone during the third day of the ongoing fifth and final Test match against Team India. James Anderson became the first fast bowler to reach this remarkable landmark in the history of Test cricket.
The Indian team resumed the third day’s play at 473/8 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday, March 9. James Anderson provided an early breakthrough for his team in the first session on day 3 of the ongoing match.
Young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir claimed the wicket of Jasprit Bumrah (20) in the following over. India was dismissed for 477 runs in their first innings in Dharamsala. Bashir secured five wickets, while Tom Hartley and James Anderson each contributed two wickets.
In response, the visitors lost three wickets within 50 runs in the second innings. The veteran off-spinner ran through England’s top order, dismissing Ben Duckett (1), Ollie Pope (0), and Ollie Pope (19). The team still trails the Rohit Sharma-led side by more than 200 runs.
James Anderson Completes 700 Wickets In Test Cricket
The 41-year-old bowler took just 10 balls to pick up the wicket in the first session. Anderson ended the 49-run partnership by dismissing Kuldeep Yadav in his second over. Kuldeep had to depart after scoring a resilient 30 runs off 69 deliveries with the help of two fours.
James Anderson claimed his 700th Test wicket with the dismissal of Kuldeep Yadav. Anderson managed to induce Kuldeep’s outside edge to Ben Foakes. The achievement was celebrated by both teammates and fans, marking a historic moment in his illustrious career.
Most Wickets In Test Cricket
Muttiah Muralitharan – 800
Shane Warne – 708
Jimmy Anderson – 700*
Anil Kumble – 619.
Anderson made his Test debut in May 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lord’s. He showcased his prowess by claiming a five-wicket haul. He has taken 700 wickets in 187 matches at an average of 26.53, including 32 five-wicket hauls, with his best figures being 7/42.
Despite the challenging conditions for pacers on Indian pitches, Anderson’s six-wicket haul during the third Test in Kolkata in December 2012 played a pivotal role in England’s seven-wicket victory. This win was significant as it contributed to England’s series success.
700 Test Wickets Is A Steller Achievement – Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, renowned for his battles with James Anderson on the field, praised the English cricketer on social media. Tendulkar highlighted his exceptional skill and longevity, calling his achievement of 700 Test wickets “simply magnificent.”
“The first time I saw Anderson play was in Australia in 2002, and his control over the ball looked special. Nasser Hussain spoke very highly of him back then and today, I am sure, he would say, “Maine bola tha” — that he had called it so early. 700 test wickets is a stellar achievement. A fast bowler playing for 22 years and performing so consistently to be able to take 700 wickets would have sounded like fiction until Anderson actually made it happen. Simply magnificent!” Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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