England’s legendary bowler James Anderson made cricket history on Saturday. He etched his name in the record books as the first fast bowler (and only the third bowler overall) to claim a staggering 700 wickets in Test cricket. This incredible feat happened during the fifth and final Test match against India in Dharamsala.
At 41 years old, Anderson is already the most successful fast bowler in Test history. He was just two wickets away from the remarkable 700-wicket milestone when he began this match. On Friday, he sent Shubman Gill’s stumps flying. Then today, Kuldeep Yadav edged a delivery into the keeper’s gloves, becoming Anderson’s 700th victim.
Anderson’s teammates swarmed him in celebration, and he proudly raised the ball to the cheering crowd. England’s dedicated “Barmy Army” fans gave him a well-deserved standing ovation as the team left the field at the picturesque stadium.
Only Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) and the late, great Australian spinner Shane Warne (708 wickets) have taken more Test wickets than Anderson.
Anderson’s incredible success isn’t just about skill. His famously smooth bowling action has helped him stay at the top of his game for such an extraordinary amount of time.
“James Anderson has conquered the peak of fast bowling in Test cricket,” said former England bowler Steven Finn. “No other fast bowler will ever surpass his 700 wickets. He’s simply incredible.”
Even the legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar offered his praise on Twitter, calling Anderson’s accomplishment “stellar.”
