James Anderson's Record May Be Jimmy's Alone: Kumar Sangakkara

England veteran seamer James Anderson created history last week on the third Test against Pakistan in Southampton by dismissing Azhar Ali. James Anderson broke the 600-wicket barrier, becoming the first fast bowler to do so in the longest format of the game. It led former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara to declare the record as unbreakable by any other pace bowler moving forward.

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Reaching the landmark in his 156th Test appearance was not only a testament of skill and determination but also longevity. Anderson remains the sole specialist fast bowler in the history of Test cricket to play more than 150 fixtures while his 600 scalps are the fourth-highest in the format. At 38, the Lancashire pace bowler targets 700 wickets and vows to play till the 2021-22 Ashes, set to be contested in Australia.

Kumar Sangakkara stated that James Anderson has set a target for current and future pace bowlers. At the same time, Sangakkara feels that the 38-year old would hold the record alone and that no other paceman might be able to go past it. The 42-year old added that it was an honour to have played against the Englishman and is a privilege to watch him off the ground.

“He has set a record for current and future pace bowlers to chase, but it may just be one record that will be Jimmy’s and Jimmy’s alone. It was my great privilege to play against him and I now share with you the enjoyment of watching him from beyond the boundary rope for as long as he may continue,” Sangakkara stated as quoted by Times of India.

James Anderson’s achievement is tremendous: Kumar Sangakkara

The stylish left-handed batsman lauded Anderson, a bowler of skill and determination. Sangakkara believes that the swing bowler’s accomplishment is scintillating not only for the 600 wickets he took, but the years’ effort, commitment and the willingness to keep getting better.

“Jimmy is a fast bowler of immense skill and determination. His achievement is tremendous, not just for the fact that it is 600 wickets, but also for what entails in terms of effort, commitment, and reinvention,” the Sri Lankan great added.

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