OTD 2024: James Anderson 700th Test wicket in Dharamsala Test

On March 9, 2024, James Anderson etched his name deeper into cricket history by claiming his 700th Test wicket during the fifth Test between India and England in Dharamsala. With this milestone, Anderson became the first fast bowler in the history of Test cricket to reach the remarkable figure of 700 wickets, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest bowlers the game has seen.

The landmark moment arrived when Anderson induced an edge from Kuldeep Yadav, who was caught behind for 30 runs. The wicket helped England dismiss India for 477 in the first innings, leaving the hosts with a deficit of 259 runs. The achievement was greeted with applause from teammates and fans alike, acknowledging a career defined by longevity, skill, and consistency.

Anderson became only the third bowler in Test history to reach the 700-wicket milestone. The two bowlers ahead of him on the all-time list are legendary spinners Muttiah Muralitharan, who holds the record with 800 wickets, and Shane Warne, who finished his career with 708 wickets. However, Anderson stands apart as the only specialist fast bowler among them, highlighting the magnitude of his achievement in a format traditionally dominated by spinners.+

At the time of reaching the milestone, Anderson was playing his 187th Test match, extending his record as the most-capped specialist bowler in Test cricket history. His international journey began nearly 21 years earlier, when he made his debut for England against Zimbabwe at Lord’s Cricket Ground in May 2003.

Anderson entered the Dharamsala Test with 698 wickets. He first moved to 699 when he bowled Shubman Gill through the gate for 110, before reaching the historic 700-wicket mark.

The England pacer also stands well ahead of other seamers in Test history. His longtime bowling partner Stuart Broad, who retired after the 2023 Ashes, finished with 604 wickets, leaving Anderson nearly 100 wickets clear of the next most successful fast bowler.

Earlier in his career, Anderson had surpassed Glenn McGrath’s record of 563 Test wickets for a fast bowler during a Test against India at The Oval in 2018, when he dismissed Mohammed Shami with the final ball of the match. He later crossed the 600-wicket milestone in 2020 at The Rose Bowl by dismissing Azhar Ali of Pakistan.

Interestingly, Anderson enjoyed particular success against India, claiming 149 wickets against them, the most he has taken against any opponent. Of these, 44 wickets came in 17 Tests in India, at an average of 30.27. Overall, 434 of his 700 wickets came in home conditions, while 266 wickets were taken overseas, including 92 in Asia, where he averaged 27.51.

The first wicket of Anderson’s illustrious Test career was Mark Vermeulen of Zimbabwe in 2003. Over the years, several notable players have fallen to his milestone deliveries, including Jacques Kallis (100th), Peter Siddle (200th), Peter Fulton (300th), Martin Guptill (400th), and Kraigg Brathwaite (500th).

By the end of his international career, Anderson had taken 704 wickets in 188 Test matches, along with 269 wickets in 194 ODIs and 18 wickets in 19 T20Is.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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