James Anderson: The First Pacer to Reach 700 Test Wickets

India v England, Fifth Test, Scorecard

James Anderson adds another feather to his cap, reaching the historic 700 Test wickets mark. Full Story | #WTC25 | #INDvENG Match Highlights

Anderson achieved this milestone by dismissing India’s Kuldeep Yadav on the morning of Day 3 in the fifth and final Test of the ICC World Test Championship series in Dharamsala.

Starting the Test with 698 wickets, Anderson moved to 699 by bowling centurion Shubman Gill with a beautiful reverse swing. His 700th wicket came the following day when he dismissed Kuldeep, caught behind for 30.

Anderson’s Test career began in 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lord’s, where he claimed a five-wicket haul. It took him another 184 Tests to join the 700-club, a feat he achieved at the age of 41, making him the only pacer in this elite group.

With a career spanning nearly 21 years, Anderson continues to widen the gap between himself and other active players. Nathon Lyon, currently with 517 wickets, is the second-leading wicket-taker among active players.

Anderson is now within striking distance of overtaking Shane Warne, who is second on the list of most wickets in Tests.

Most Test Wickets

England were bowled out for 218 after electing to bat first. Kuldeep led the Indian attack with a five-wicket haul, while R Ashwin, playing his 100th Test, contributed with four wickets.

India responded strongly with the bat, with skipper Rohit Sharma and Gill putting together a 171-run second-wicket partnership. Both batsmen scored centuries before England skipper Ben Stokes, returning to bowling after a long hiatus, clean bowled Rohit.

Gill was the next to fall, becoming Anderson’s 699th Test wicket. India ended the day at 473/8, leading by 255 runs. On Day 3, England bowled India out for 477. Anderson claimed the first wicket of the day, while Shoaib Bashir wrapped up the innings with a five-wicket haul.

India have already clinched the series 3-1.