India vs England, Tests: Anderson, Broad can reach these milestones
India and England are set to square-off in the first of four-Test series, starting February 5. England will be touring India for the first time since 2016/17 when they lost 0-4. Although the spinners will be at the helm on rank-turners, England's premier fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad can attain some special feats. We take a look at the same.
Anderson set to surpass Anil Kumble on all-time tally
Anderson is already the most successful fast bowler in Test history, having taken 606 wickets at 26.60. In 2020, he became the first-ever pacer to take 600 Test scalps. Now, he has an opportunity to displace Indian legend Anil Kumble at number three, who owns 619 Test wickets. The top two wicket-takers on the all-time tally are Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).
He could complete 900 international wickets
Anderson could accomplish another significant milestone in the upcoming series. He could become the sixth bowler and first from England to complete 900 wickets across formats. The English pace spearhead currently has 893 international wickets to his name from 370 matches at 27.47. The top five on the list are Muralitharan (1,347), Warne (1,001), Kumble (956), Glenn McGrath (949) and Wasim Akram (916).
Anderson could emulate this record of Alastair Cook
If Anderson (157) features in all the four games, he could emulate former captain Alastair Cook's record of playing 161 Tests. Presently, the record for England stands with Cook, who has represented them in most number of Test matches.
Broad set to surpass legend Courtney Walsh
Anderson's compatriot Broad is also not too far behind in terms of wickets. He is presently the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 517 scalps at 27.56. In the forthcoming series, he could eclipse West Indian legend Courtney Walsh's historic tally of 519 wickets. He will then be only behind McGrath (563) and Anderson (606*) among fast bowlers.
Broad's Test record in India
Broad has a chance to improve his record in India. Interestingly, he owns 10 wickets in India from six games, his least among the countries wherein he has played at least five matches. He has an average of 53.90 here, his worst in any country.
