England’s James Anderson Joins Elite 700 Test Wickets Club

England’s James Anderson claimed his 700th Test wicket by dismissing India’s Kuldeep Yadav in Dharamsala on the morning of Day 3 of the final Test against India. This historic milestone makes Anderson the third bowler to reach the 700-wicket mark in Test cricket.

Journey to 700 Wickets

Anderson started the Dharamsala Test on 698 wickets and moved to 699 by dismissing centurion Shubman Gill. He had to wait patiently as spinners dominated the proceedings on Day 2. On Day 3, Anderson finally reached the 700-wicket milestone by getting Kuldeep Yadav caught behind.

Anderson’s first Test wicket came in 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lord’s, where he took a five-wicket haul. It took him another 184 Tests to enter the 700-club as the only pacer at the age of 41.

Unique Achievement

In his nearly 21-year-long career, Anderson continues to distance himself from other bowlers. Among active players, Nathan Lyon with 517 wickets is the second-leading wicket-taker.

Anderson is now closing in on surpassing Shane Warne (708 wickets) to become the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests.

Most Test Wickets

PLAYER WICKETS

• Muthiah Muralidaran 800
• Shane Warne 708
• James Anderson 700
• Anil Kumble 619
• Stuart Broad 604

Match Details

• England were bowled out for 218 after electing to bat on Day 1. Kuldeep Yadav took a five-wicket haul, while R Ashwin (playing his 100th Test) claimed four wickets.
• India responded strongly with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill adding 171 runs for the second wicket. Both scored centuries before Ben Stokes dismissed Rohit.
• Gill became Anderson’s 699th Test wicket. India finished Day 2 at 473/8, leading by 255 runs.
• On Day 3, England bowled India out for 477. Anderson claimed the first wicket, while Shoaib Bashir took a five-wicket haul.
• India have already won the series 3-1.