Being a fast bowler, it’s quite hard to strive for a longer period in cricket. Injuries and fatigue are part and parcel of a pacer’s career.
However, James Andeson proved everyone wrong and went on to build a stellar career in the gentleman’s game, more so in Test cricket. The English pacer wreaked havoc on batters with his craftiness with the red ball.
Here, in this article, we celebrate James Anderson’s bowling brilliance by looking at his incredible records in cricket.
Only Pacer to Take 700 Test Wickets
In the fifth Test match against India in Dharamsala in March 2024, James Anderson became the first pacer and the third overall bowler to grab over 700 wickets in the longer format. It took him 187 matches to reach the milestone.
Third Most Wickets in All Formats Combined
Anderson has picked up 987 wickets in 400 international matches across formats. His wicket tally is the third highest after the legendary spinners Muthiah Muralidaran (1347) and Shane Warne (1001).
The pacer is also the leading wicket-taker for England in Tests and ODIs, with 700 and 269 scalps, respectively. In T20Is, he took only 18 wickets in 19 appearances.
Second Most Test Wickets at a Single Venue
The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground — the home of cricket — has been a happy hunting ground for Jimmy Anderson. He has grabbed 119 wickets in 28 Test matches at an average of 25.15, including 7 five-wicket hauls.
Joint-Most Test Wickets in Asia
Fast bowlers have a tough time in Asian conditions, but Anderson found great success with the red cherry. He picked up 92 wickets in 32 Tests, which is the joint-most in Asia with Dale Steyn (92 in 22 matches).
Second Most Test Appearances
The master of swing trails Sachin Tendulkar in terms of Test match appearances. Anderson has stepped on the field in whites for England in 187 Tests. His Test career spans almost 21 years!
1000 Runs, 100 Wickets, and 100 Catches in Tests
James Anderson is among the select few players who have shown their all-round abilities on the field in the longer format. He has achieved the triple of scoring 1000 runs, taking 100 wickets, and grabbing 100 catches in the Test format.
