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On the illustrious stage of Test cricket, James Anderson etched his name in golden letters as he became the first-ever fast bowler to amass 700 Test wickets, a monumental achievement unveiled on March 9 (Saturday) during the enthralling final Test against India at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. With the majestic mountains standing witness, Anderson's landmark moment transcended to a poetic level, as he joined the elite club of cricketing legends, standing shoulder to shoulder with Sri Lanka's spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) and the iconic Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne (708 wickets).
James Anderson - An ageless wonder
Anderson's journey, stretching over two decades since his debut in 2003, showcases his unparalleled dedication and mastery over fast bowling, distinguishing him as a red-ball specialist after stepping away from white-ball cricket for England in 2015. His contribution to the art of fast bowling, characterized by precision and skill, remains unmatched.
The historic wicket of Kuldeep Yadav on day three was a testament to Anderson's enduring prowess, marking a significant chapter in his storied career. This feat not only highlights his exceptional talent but also his role as a key figure in England's bowling arsenal, despite the team's broader challenges in the series.
Most wickets in Test cricket history:
Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) - 800
Shane Warne (Australia) - 708
James Anderson (England) - 700*
Anil Kumble (India) - 619
Stuart Broad (England) - 604
Glenn McGrath (Australia) - 563
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill crack centuries for India
India, leveraging centuries from skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, alongside significant contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and debutant Devdutt Padikkal, amassed a commanding 477, asserting a substantial 259-run lead over England. Anderson's early breakthrough on the third morning underscored his critical influence in attempting to curtail India's momentum, although England's off-spinner Shoaib Bashir eventually wrapped up the Indian innings.
With 96 wickets beyond his closest competitor and former teammate Stuart Broad, Anderson's milestones of reaching 600 and now 700 wickets underscore his legendary status, following in the footsteps of Courtney Walsh, the first fast bowler to reach 500 wickets.
Ben Stokes bowls after 9 months
The Dharamsala Test unfolded dramatic turns, especially on Day 2, as England sought to redeem their performance with Captain Ben Stokes making a significant impact by breaking a crucial partnership between Rohit and Gill. Anderson followed suit, capturing Gill's wicket, showcasing the potency of England's bowling attack in the face of adversity.
Achieving 700 wickets in 186 matches, Anderson's legacy is a beacon of excellence, inspiring generations and affirming his indispensable role within the England squad under Stokes's captaincy. Despite a challenging series against India, where Anderson secured 10 wickets across four Tests, his historical milestone stands as a remarkable achievement in the annals of cricket, emphasizing his enduring impact and commitment to the game.
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