In the ongoing fourth Test at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium in Ranchi, James Anderson showcased his prowess by dismissing Kuldeep Yadav, inching closer to the historic milestone of 700 wickets in Test cricket. The left-hander’s gritty knock of 28 off 131 deliveries concluded when the ball angled back, kissed the toe end of his bat, and hit the stumps.
Kuldeep Yadav’s resilient partnership of 76 runs with wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel for the eighth wicket added crucial runs to India’s total. Anderson, at the age of 41, is on the brink of becoming the first pacer to achieve the remarkable feat of 700 wickets in Test cricket.
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Having already claimed the wicket of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma in this innings, Anderson’s consistent performance remains vital for England in the ongoing Test series. The dismissal of Kuldeep Yadav was notable for the slight uneven bounce, causing the ball to keep low, ultimately hitting the toe end of his bat and dislodging the bails. Despite the challenge, Kuldeep’s tenacity was evident in his patient innings.
James Anderson has been a linchpin for England, contributing eight wickets in the series at an average of 32.88. His quest for the historic 700th wicket positions him as a crucial force in the England bowling attack. Since his Test debut in 2003, Anderson has been a stalwart in international cricket, retiring from white-ball cricket in 2015 to focus exclusively on Test matches.
While the English pacer’s exceptional skills with the new ball have been a constant, India remains on the verge of a significant feat. With Dhruv Jurel nearing his maiden Test century, the hosts are poised to challenge England’s lead. If India can trim the deficit to 25-30 runs or even secure a lead, they stand a chance to sway the match in their favour, potentially clinching the series with a match to spare.
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India, undefeated in Test series at home since 2012, aims to secure their 17th consecutive home Test series win. Leading the series 2-1 after a loss in the first Test in Hyderabad, India bounced back with victories in Vizag and Rajkot. A triumph in the ongoing series against England would solidify their position in the ICC World Test Championship Points Table.
