England’s legendary paceman, James Anderson is set to bid farewell to international cricket after playing the first test match against the West Indies. As he steps onto the field at the Lord’s for his 188th and final test match, the cricketing world celebrates the remarkable journey of one of England’s most storied bowlers.
A Cinematic Career
James Anderson’s career has been nothing short of cinematic. Debuting in 2003, Anderson quickly established himself as a linchpin of England’s bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his exceptional control and consistency, made him a formidable opponent for batsmen worldwide.
Throughout his career, Anderson achieved numerous milestones that solidified his place among the cricketing greats. He became the first English bowler to reach the 600-wicket mark in Test cricket and is only the third bowler in history of test match cricket to take 700 wickets. His longevity in the sport is highlighted by his ability to maintain peak performance well into his late 30s, a rarity among fast bowlers.
| ANDERSON – A SYNONYM TO SPEED | |
| CATEGORY | MATCHES |
| 7th Fastest To 450 Test Match Wickets | 115 Matches |
| 7th Fastest To 500 Test Match Wickets | 129 Matches |
| 4th Fastest To 600 Test Match Wickets | 156 Matches |
| 3rd Fastest To 700 Test Match Wickets | 187 Matches |
James Anderson’s contributions have been pivotal in many of England’s memorable victories. His iconic spells, especially in Ashes series, have left an indelible mark on the sport. As he prepares to hang up his boots, Anderson leaves behind a legacy of excellence, inspiring future generations of cricketers.
| ANDERSON – A CRICKETING LEGEND | |
| CATEGORY | STAT |
| 2nd Most Test Matches In A Career | 187 |
| 3rd Most Test Match Runs In An Innings By A Number 11 Batter | 81 vs India |
| 3rd Most Test Match Wickets On A Single Ground | 119 at Lords |
| 7th Player With Most Five Wickets In An Innings In A Career | 32 Hauls |
| 30th Player With Most Ten Wickets In A Match In A Career | 3 Hauls |
| 16th Oldest Player To Take Five Wickets In An Innings | 39y 336d |
| 42nd Oldest Player To Take Ten Wickets In A Match | 33y 294d |
As James Anderson prepares to bring down the curtains on his illustrious career, his achievements and records will continue to inspire and set benchmarks for cricketers around the world. His final appearance in the test match arena marks the end of an era for English cricket, however his legacy will endure for generations to come.
The Sportz Plane Desk,
Atharva Shetye
