James Anderson; From Lord’s 2003 To Lord’s 2024, And Everything In Between
On the morning of 22nd of May, 2003, England announced a shy but cheeky young debutante in their playing 11 against Zimbabwe at Lords. 21 years down the line on the 12th of July, 2024, the same lad walked out of the Lord’s Long Room for the one final time in his career. This time as a confident and a decent man. The crowd was in tears. James Anderson played his final Test for England against the West Indies, capping off his remarkable career with a memorable performance. In the first Test at Lord’s, England outclassed the West Indies, winning by an innings and 114 runs in just three days. Anderson took four wickets and led England towards victory. This feat made him the second-highest wicket-taker against the West Indies in test matches, with a total of 91 wickets. Throughout his career, Anderson delivered outstanding performances against various nations, especially those where he took 90 or more test match wickets. Dominance Against India Anderson took an impressive 149 wickets in 39 matches while playing against India, averaging 25.47. He notched up six five-wicket hauls with his best being 5/20. He was particularly effective at home, taking 105 wickets at an average of 23.46. In away matches, he claimed 44 wickets at an average of 30.27. Ashes Heroics Against Australia For every Englishman, the Ashes series against Australia is always the pinnacle and so was the case with Anderson. He was a consistent force. Anderson picked up 117 wickets in 39 matches at an average of 35.97, with his best figures being 6/47. He achieved five five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul. In 21 test matches in Australia, he took 68 wickets at an average of 34.01. In England, he secured 49 wickets at 38.69. Mastering South Africa South Africa is always a tough challenge. Anderson appeared in 29 tests and took 103 wickets at an average of 30.07 against South Africa. His record includes four five-wicket hauls, with a best performance of 5/40. Among pace bowlers, he is the highest wicket-taker against South Africa and ranks third overall, behind Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. At home, he claimed 69 wickets, with 34 more taken in away matches. Conquering the West Indies Anderson’s remarkable performance against the West Indies saw him surpass Kapil Dev to become the second-highest wicket-taker against the men in maroon in test match cricket. He ended with 91 wickets from 23 matches at an average of 22.25, including five five-wicket hauls, with his best being 7/42. In total, Anderson wrapped up his Test career with an extraordinary 704 wickets from 188 matches, maintaining an average of 26.45. His achievements have cemented his place as one of cricket’s greatest bowlers. OPPONENT MATCHES WICKETS AVERAGE BEST FIGURES 5 WICKET HAULS 10 WICKET HAULS India 39 149 25.47 5-20 6 0 Australia 39 117 35.97 6-47 5 1 South Africa 29 103 30.07 5-40 4 0 West Indies 23 91 22.25 7-42 5 0 Anderson vs The Rest Of The Teams James Anderson managed to grab 84 wickets against New Zealand, 82 against Pakistan, 58 against Sri Lanka, 11 against Zimbabwe and 9 while playing against Bangladesh. Apart from these stats, James Anderson also has 5 other unique records under his belt. Most Wickets Caught by Wicket-Keeper James Anderson holds the record for the most wickets caught behind by a wicket-keeper in Test matches, with 249 out of his 704 wickets. He is also second only to Muttiah Muralitharan, who has 167 bowled dismissals, with Anderson achieving 137. Second Most Five-Wicket Hauls for a Fast Bowler At 41 years of age, James Anderson has achieved 32 five-wicket hauls in his career, making him the sixth highest in the history of cricket. The only fast bowler ahead of him is New Zealand’s Sir Richard Hadlee, who has 36 five-wicket hauls. Exclusive Century Club at a Single Venue James Anderson is one of only four bowlers in Test history to have taken 100 wickets at a single venue. He has claimed 123 wickets in 29 matches at Lord’s, London. The others in this elite group are Muttiah Muralitharan (166 at Colombo, 117 at Kandy), Rangana Herath (111 at Galle), and Stuart Broad (113 at Lord’s). Leading Fast Bowler in Wickets With 704 wickets, James Anderson is the highest wicket-taking fast bowler of all time. His closest rival among pacers is his English teammate Stuart Broad, who has 604 wickets. Second Most Test Matches Played James Anderson has played 188 Test matches, the second most in the history of the game. The only player with more Test appearances is India’s Sachin Tendulkar, who has played 200 Tests. Well this was James Anderson and his career which was no less than a cinema. As the cricketing public acknowledges greatness, Jimmy Anderson leaves the game. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
James Anderson; Beyond 704 Wickets
James Anderson has brought down the curtains to his career as England won by an innings and 114 runs. The cricketing fraternity has already started missing the man who represented England in 188 test matches, took 704 wickets at an average of 26.45 and an economy of 2.79. And how can one not remember his 32 5 wicket hauls and 3 10 wicket hauls. Well even after bowling 40,037 deliveries in his career, it’s not just his performance that the cricketing world will miss, but the unique style and character he brought to the game. A Hair Apparent James Anderson’s journey wasn’t just about the wickets; it was also about his distinct flair, evident in his ever-evolving hairstyles. Famously shy in his early days, Anderson’s bowling spoke volumes, but his haircuts became another form of self-expression. John Stanworth, Lancashire’s academy coach, once remarked, “He said absolutely zip all to me for two-and-a-half years,” highlighting Anderson’s reserved nature. However, his initial foray into the international scene was marked by frosted tips and a striking red ‘faux hawk’. During his early career, Anderson’s flamboyant hairstyles often garnered more attention than his on-field exploits. On a tour of Zimbabwe in 2004, he opted for a complete shave, emerging with a rebuilt action and a reliance on consistency rather than style. As he matured into England’s premier fast bowler, his hairstyles evolved, featuring a tight crop and a Morrissey-esque quiff. In 2018, Anderson surprised fans with an all-over platinum dye job, a mix of “part silver fox, part white owl,” which he attributed to “maybe a midlife crisis.“ As Anderson approached his 40s, his look evolved to a sophisticated salt-and-pepper style, though he continued to experiment. Recently, he sported a golden streak in his quiff, dubbed “Auburn Anderson” or “Fast Bowler Sunset.” When asked about bringing back the red streak for his Lord’s send-off, Anderson curtly responded, “Doesn’t look like it.“ The Sledging Maestro On the field, James Anderson’s mastery extended beyond the cricket ball to his sharp tongue. Known for his aggressive sledging, he often used it as a strategy to get into the minds of opposition batsmen. Alastair Cook, one of Anderson’s closest friends, recalled, “The only thing I can remember about our first meeting was that he called me everything under the sun.“ Sledging was Anderson’s way of engaging in a battle, and it sometimes revealed an edgier side to his game. One of the most notorious incidents was an altercation with Ravindra Jadeja in 2014, which nearly escalated into a diplomatic row. Anderson’s sledging repertoire included memorable jibes, such as repeatedly calling Michael Hussey “Dave” to irk the Australian batsman. Hussey acknowledged Anderson as “probably a bit smarter” than most sledgers he had encountered. Some of Anderson’s sledging exchanges became legendary. During the 2010-11 series, Mitchell Johnson’s taunt, “Why are you chirping now, mate? Not getting any wickets?” was swiftly answered when Anderson bowled Ryan Harris next ball and silenced Johnson with a finger to his lips. Media Savvy and Emotional Moments Despite his gruff on-field persona, Anderson’s off-field demeanor showed a different side. His friendship with Graeme Swann brought out a playful aspect, seen in their antics on Swanny’s Ashes Diary and the popular BBC 5 Live show “Not Just Cricket.” His transition from player to pundit was seamless, highlighted by his role in the “Tailenders” podcast with Greg James and Felix White. Anderson’s tough exterior often hid a softer side. Known for his emotional moments, he famously broke down during a post-match presentation at Headingley in 2014 after a narrow defeat to Sri Lanka. He fought back tears again in 2018 after taking the final wicket in Alastair Cook’s farewell Test. Reflecting on his career, Anderson hinted at more tears during his final match. “Big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well and get a win. That’s what I’m trying to focus on to stop myself crying,” he shared with a smile. As James Anderson steps away from the game, the cricketing world comes to a halt and bids farewell to a player who was not just a master of swing and seam but also a charismatic figure with memorable haircuts and legendary sledging. Thank you Jimmy. You will be missed. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Sunil Chhetri Retirement: India’s Star Forward 94 Goals Breakdown
The spotlight will shine brightly on India’s upcoming World Cup qualifier match against Kuwait on June 6, 2024. The anticipation is palpable as this game marks the swansong of Sunil Chhetri, the esteemed captain of the Indian men’s football team. Chhetri, a stalwart in Indian football, last month announced his retirement from international football. The announcement added an emotional layer to this significant fixture. Having made his debut against Pakistan in 2005, Chhetri has left an indelible mark on Indian football, having graced the field in 150 matches for the Blue Tigers. His illustrious career boasts an impressive record of 94 goals, a feat unparalleled by any other Indian player. As we reflect on his remarkable journey, it’s fitting to delve into the intricacies of his goal-scoring prowess against various opponents at the international level. ONE GOALAgainst Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Bahrain, Macau, North Korea, Palestine, Philippines, Cameroon, Curacao, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Korea, and Vanuatu, Chhetri has netted a solitary goal against each. While Chhetri has found the back of the net against many nations, there are 16 countries where he has yet to register a goal, underscoring the challenges and dynamics of international football. TWO GOALSFurther illuminating his goal-scoring ability, Chhetri has notched two goals against some quality opponents such as Syria, Oman, and Thailand. His ability to find the net against such opponents speaks volumes about his tenacity and skill as a striker. THREE GOALSChhetri’s scoring record reveals three goals apiece against Myanmar, Malaysia, Guam, Bhutan, and Vietnam. FOUR GOALSIn encounters against Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kenya, Chhetri has been particularly lethal, netting four goals against each. Notably, his debut international goal against Pakistan set the stage for a stellar career filled with numerous memorable moments. FIVE GOALSAgainst Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Cambodia, Chhetri has showcased his goal-scoring ability with five goals against each opponent, further solidifying his status as a prolific striker. SIX GOALSChhetri has scored six goals against Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei, with Chhetri displaying both quantity and consistency across multiple appearances. EIGHT GOALSThe Maldives stands out as another formidable opponent against whom Chhetri has scored eight goals in six appearances. His inaugural goals against the Maldives in 2011 marked the beginning of a prolific scoring record against this opponent. NINE GOALSFinally, Nepal emerges as Chhetri’s most prolific adversary, with nine goals scored in 13 appearances. This remarkable statistic highlights Chhetri’s contributions against formidable opponents. As we bid farewell to this legend of Indian football, Sunil Chhetri’s goal-scoring exploits against various nations will be a force to be reckoned with for the athletes rising to the occasion in the future. Also Read: The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
