On Saturday, England’s James Anderson achieved a historic milestone, becoming only the third bowler and the first seamer to secure 700 test wickets during the fifth and final test against India in Dharamsala.
Entering his 187th test match, the 41-year-old was just two wickets shy of the 700-mark. Anderson accomplished this feat by clean bowling Shubman Gill on Friday and claiming Kuldeep Yadav as his 700th victim on the third day of the contest, with the batter being caught behind.
Celebrating the momentous occasion, Anderson lifted the ball aloft amidst jubilant cheers from his teammates, while the travelling ‘Barmy Army’ fans honored him with a standing ovation as he led his team off the field at the innings break at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association stadium.
Currently, Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan leads the all-time chart with 800 wickets from 133 tests, followed by Australia’s spin maestro Shane Warne with 708 wickets. Anderson’s incredible longevity, coupled with his exceptional skill, continues to astound cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Former England bowler Steven Finn hailed Anderson’s achievement, stating, “At the foothills of the Himalayas, James Anderson has reached the insurmountable summit for a fast bowler in test match cricket.”
Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded Anderson’s accomplishment on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as a “stellar achievement” and highlighting the remarkable consistency and longevity of the fast bowler.
Echoing similar sentiments, former England captain Alastair Cook marveled at Anderson’s durability and hunger for success. Cook recalled discussions about resting and rotating Anderson due to the demanding nature of test cricket, but Anderson’s relentless drive to excel and contribute to England’s victories prevailed.
Anderson made his international debut in 2002 and has since established himself as a complete bowler known for his mastery of swing bowling. With 22 years of illustrious service to England cricket, Anderson’s journey is a testament to his skill, dedication, and perseverance in the sport.
