ENG vs WI: James Anderson made his international debut in December 2002. Its been over two decades since he has been performing consistently at the highest level. He is also the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket among the pacers and the third-highest overall. He had an incredible career, which spanned over 22 runs. But the veteran pacer has finally decided to put an end to his superb career and has announced his retirement.
He will be playing his final test at Lord’s. The first ENG vs WI match of the three-match series between England and West Indies, which will start on July 10, will be the final time when Anderson will be bowling with the red-ball for England. This will be a memorable and emotional moment for James Anderson. It will be a packed house, and everyone will be rooting for the 41-year-old.
ENG vs WI: James Anderson eyes a big record in his Farewell Test at Lord’s
Fans will witness the end of an era, and he will leave that legacy behind. He has already achieved a lot in his 22-year-old career, and not many can dream of what he has done so far. But James Anderson still has something to achieve, which he will eye in the first ENG vs WI test match.
Currently, James Anderson has taken 700 wickets in 187 Tests at an average of 26.52. He has 32 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls to his name. Anderson is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in Tests after Muthiah Muralidaran (800) and Shane Warne (708). But Anderson can end his career as the second-highest wicket-taker.
He is just 9 wickets away from doing that. If Anderson can go on to pick nine wickets, he will end up taking 709 wickets and creating history. Adding to that, Anderson has picked up 987 wickets in international cricket overall. He can also become the third bowler to reach the golden mark of 1000 wickets. He needs 13 wickets to do so.
Anderson has always been at his best in English conditions, and there are chances that he can do it. Murali (1347) and Warne (1001) are the only two bowlers with 1000 or more wickets. Furthermore, the pacer has 32 Test fifers, and if he can take two in two innings, he will equal Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath with the most Test fifers. So James Anderson is eyeing some big records in the first game.
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