In a monumental moment for cricket, England’s James Anderson has etched his name in the annals of the sport as the first pace bowler to reach the incredible milestone of 700 Test wickets. The 41-year-old achieved this historic feat on the third day of the ongoing fifth Test against India in Dharamsala.
Anderson’s record-breaking dismissal came in the morning session when he sent Kuldeep Yadav back to the pavilion. This accomplishment places Anderson in the esteemed company of only two other bowlers in cricket history to achieve 700 or more Test wickets: the legendary spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).
With this remarkable achievement, Anderson has rewritten the history books, becoming the first pace bowler to reach such a staggering tally in the 147-year history of Test cricket, which commenced in 1877.
Sir Alastair Cook, who captained Anderson in 49 Tests, hailed the milestone as “a superb achievement,” emphasizing Anderson’s relentless hunger to succeed for England and his exceptional skill. Former England bowler Steven Finn echoed these sentiments, describing Anderson’s feat as reaching an “insurmountable summit” for fast bowlers in Test cricket.
Anderson’s illustrious career spans over two decades, with his debut against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in May 2003 marking the beginning of a journey that has seen him overcome numerous challenges and scale unprecedented heights in the sport. His unparalleled dedication and skill have earned him acclaim both at home and abroad, with 434 of his 700 wickets taken on home soil and 266 secured overseas.
Notably, Anderson’s dominance extends to the Ashes arena, where he has claimed a staggering 117 wickets, with 68 of those coming in Australia. His debut year saw him take 26 wickets, setting the stage for a career marked by consistency and excellence. In 2010, he enjoyed his most successful year, claiming 57 wickets, with similar feats achieved in 2013 and 2017.
As Anderson continues to defy age and expectations, his legacy as one of cricket’s all-time greats is firmly cemented, with his remarkable achievements serving as a testament to his enduring talent and unparalleled longevity in the sport.
