James Anderson Joins Elite Club with 700th Test Wicket
James Anderson Enters Elite Club with 700th Test Wicket
James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming only the third bowler to claim 700 wickets in Test matches. The 41-year-old achieved the remarkable milestone on Saturday during the fifth Test against India in Dharamshala.
Anderson’s historic moment came when he dismissed Kuldeep Yadav, edging a delivery outside off stump. The veteran pacer celebrated with his teammates as the crowd erupted in a standing ovation. Anderson had entered the series just 10 wickets away from the landmark and started the final match with 698 scalps.
The Lancashire-born bowler made his Test debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lord’s. Since then, he has played 187 matches, taking 700 wickets at an average of 26.94. Anderson’s exceptional ability to swing the ball both ways has earned him the nickname “swing king.” He has 32 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, including a career-best 7/42 against Pakistan in 2010.
Anderson’s achievement is a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. He has played a pivotal role in England’s success over the years, helping them win the Ashes four times and the ICC World Test Championship in 2023.
Anderson’s 700th wicket places him behind only two other bowlers in Test history: Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) and Australia’s Shane Warne (708 wickets). The English pacer is now the first fast bowler to reach the milestone.