England bowler Jimmy Anderson has become the first seamer to reach the 700 wicket milestone.
The 41-year-old fast bowler delivered a right-handed off stump ball to India’s Kuldeep Yadav who edged it into the comfortable gloves of wicketkeeper Ben Foakes.
Anderson was embraced by his teammates as the crowd applauded the achievement on day three of the fifth Test in Dharamshala.
Anderson was mobbed by his teammates after the wicket. Pic: AP
Pic: AP
He raised the ball to the fans in celebration. There wasn’t much else for England to celebrate – they lost the Test match by an innings and 64 runs inside three days, giving India the series 4-1.
The Burnley man joined cricketing legends to have notched 700 – former Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and the late Australia leg-break bowler Shane Warne (708).
Anderson closed in on the landmark on day two when he bowled out Shubman Gill, taking his total to 699.
The other fast bowler to have surpassed 600 wickets is England’s Stuart Broad at 604, and India’s Anil Kumble – a spin specialist – who is also on the prestigious list on 619.
Anderson has been most prolific at home, taking 434 of 700 wickets, with 266 coming overseas.
Anderson against New Zealand in 2008. Pic: AP
He’s taken 149 against India, 117 against Australia, and 103 facing South Africa.
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Anderson made his debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lords, and Mark Vermeulen was his first victim, and not the last.
In his 22-year career, Anderson’s right arm has launched him beyond the greats of Ian Botham and, in 2018, Australian Glenn McGrath.
His future was in speculation when he, and teammate Broad, were left out from the West Indies tour in 2022 but they were both recalled later that year.
It’s ironic that Jimmy Anderson, one of the best fast bowlers in the world, has been dropped from the England team.
Jimmy Anderson has taken 700 wickets. That’s more wickets than I’ve had hot dinners.
Anderson has now taken 700 wickets in Test cricket, more than any other fast bowler in history. This is a remarkable achievement and he should be very proud of himself.
Congratulations to Jimmy Anderson on a fantastic achievement. He is a true legend of the game and an inspiration to young bowlers everywhere.
Jimmy Anderson has taken 700 wickets. That’s more wickets than I’ve had cups of tea.
I’m not impressed with Jimmy Anderson’s achievement. He’s old and past his best.
I don’t think Anderson is the greatest fast bowler of all time. There are other bowlers who have taken more wickets and have a better record.
It’s ironic that Jimmy Anderson, one of the best fast bowlers in the world, has been dropped from the England team.
I’m not impressed with Jimmy Anderson’s achievement. He’s old and past his best.
I’m not sure if I agree with the decision to drop Anderson from the England team. He is still one of the best bowlers in the world and should be playing in every game.
This is a great achievement for Jimmy Anderson. He is a true legend of the game and deserves all the plaudits he is receiving.
Congratulations to Jimmy Anderson on becoming the first fast bowler to take 700 wickets. I’m sure he’s very proud of himself.
Well done, Jimmy Anderson, on becoming the first fast bowler to take 700 wickets. I’m sure you’re very proud of yourself.
Jimmy Anderson is the greatest fast bowler of all time. He is a true legend of the game and I am so happy that he has reached this milestone.
Anderson’s achievement is even more impressive when you consider that he has played most of his career in England, where the conditions are not always favorable for fast bowlers.