History! James Anderson takes international wickets in 21 different years
Veteran England pacer James Anderson has scripted history in the ongoing opening Test versus New Zealand, becoming the first bowler to take international wickets in 21 different calendar years. The speedster delivered a fiery opening spell in the Day-Night affair and claimed two wickets early on. He'll be determined to take his side over the line in the pink-ball game. Here are his stats.
Why does this story matter?
Anderson has been England's pace spearhead in Tests since the last couple of decades. While fast bowlers tend to lose their sheen in their late 30s, Anderson is challenging the best of batters at 40. Moreover, the veteran fast bowler has no plans to hang up his boots anytime soon. Notably, he is currently the third-ranked Test bowler in the ICC Test Rankings.
Anderson scripts history!
Anderson made his international debut in an ODI against Australia in December 2002. He has since played international matches every year and claimed wickets. Notably, the ongoing clash against the Kiwis is Anderson's maiden international assignment in 2023. Anderson, who's the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket, has certainly aged like fine wine.
A fiery spell from Anderson
Notably, England, batting first in the game, shockingly declared at 325/9 in 58.2 overs. The idea behind the same was to expose NZ batters in the fag end of the opening day's play. Anderson justified the decision by dismissing Kane Williamson (6) and Henry Nicholls (4) cheaply. As a result, the Kiwis were tottering at 37/3 at stumps on the opening day.
Third-most successful Test bowler
With 677 wickets in 178 games at 26.07, Anderson is the third-highest wicket-taker in Tests (5W: 32, 10W: 3). Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708) lead the elite list. Notably, the pacer is the second-most capped player in Tests, behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (200). No other player has even played 170 or more Tests. Alastair Cook (161) trails Anderson among Englishmen.
Anderson debuted two years before Rehan Ahmed was born
All-rounder Rehan Ahmed, who can become England's youngest Test debutant last year, was born two years after Anderson's international debut. Ahmed was born on August 13, 2004, in Nottingham. Anderson made his international debut in December 2002 against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The England legend has certainly come a long way! Ahmed isn't a part of the ongoing New Zealand series.
Anderson owns 1,000 First-Class wickets
In July last year, Anderson completed 1,000 (1,075 now) wickets in First-Class cricket, the first to do so after making his debut in the 21st century. He became the 216th player with this feat. Andrew Caddick was the last pacer before Anderson to take 1,000 FC wickets (August 2005). Anderson became the first Englishman with 1,000 FC wickets since Robert Croft in September 2007.
Most ODI wickets for England
Anderson parted ways with ODI cricket in 2015. However, he is still England's leading wicket-taker in the 50-over format. He owns 269 ODI wickets in 194 games, 34 more than his closest rival, Darren Gough. Among active cricketers (besides Stuart Broad), Adil Rashid follows Anderson with 175 ODI wickets. Meanwhile, Anderson also pocketed 18 wickets in 19 T20Is at an economy rate of 7.85.
100 Tests in a country!
Last year, Anderson became the first-ever player to feature in 100 (101 now) Tests in a country. He broke the record of Tendulkar, who played 94 Tests in India. The legendary Ricky Ponting represented Australia in 92 Tests in the nation.
