James Anderson’s father, Michael, witnessed a historic moment as his son etched his name in cricketing folklore on Saturday (March 9), becoming the first fast bowler to join the elite 700-wicket club in Test cricket. The milestone occurred during the ongoing fifth Test against India at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
As the game unfolded, anticipation surrounded James Anderson’s pursuit of his 700th Test wicket. On day two, he dispatched Shubman Gill to reach the doorstep of history with 699 scalps. Then, on day three, a quintessential away swinger from Anderson found Kuldeep Yadav’s edge, securing his place in cricketing immortality with the prized 700th wicket.
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The jubilant scene wasn’t confined to the field alone. Cameras captured Michael Anderson, brimming with pride, basking in his son’s remarkable achievement. His joyous reaction echoed through the stands, a testament to the familial support fueling James Anderson’s illustrious career.
— Kirkit Expert (@expert42983) March 9, 2024
Graced by an outpouring of admiration from the crowd, Anderson Sr. watched as spectators rose to their feet, honoring the English maestro with a resounding ovationL. It was a touching tribute to Anderson’s unwavering dedication and unparalleled skill over two decades of international cricket.
— Kirkit Expert (@expert42983) March 9, 2024
Reflecting on his journey, James Anderson’s ascent to 700 wickets epitomizes resilience, consistency, and unparalleled mastery. From his Test debut in 2003, where he announced himself with a five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe at Lord’s, to his historic milestone against India, Anderson has scripted a saga of unparalleled excellence.
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The breakdown of James Anderson’s milestone wickets highlights his consistency and longevity in the game:
Jacques Kallis, South Africa (2008) – 100th wicket
Peter Siddle, Australia (2010) – 200th wicket
Peter Fulton, New Zealand (2013) – 300th wicket
Martin Guptill, New Zealand (2015) – 400th wicket
Kraigg Braithwaite, West Indies (2017) – 500th wicket
Azhar Ali, Pakistan (2020) – 600th wicket
Kuldeep Yadav, India (2024) – 700th wicket
James Anderson’s monumental achievement extends beyond numerical milestones. In 2020, he surpassed Glenn McGrath to become the most prolific fast bowler in Test cricket history, solidifying his status as one of the game’s greats. With 32 five-wicket hauls to his name, Anderson’s journey is a testament to skill, perseverance, and an insatiable hunger for success.
As he continues to rewrite the record books, Anderson stands on the cusp of surpassing Shane Warne’s Test wicket tally, further cementing his legacy as one of cricket’s preeminent bowlers. With 700 wickets in his arsenal, James Anderson’s story is a testament to the enduring allure of cricket’s most storied format and the indomitable spirit of its finest practitioners.
