James Anderson becomes first pacer to take 600 Test wickets

James Anderson has become the first fast bowler in the world to take 600 wickets in Test cricket by dismissing Pakistan captain Azhar Ali.

As the third Test of the series between Pakistan and England in Southampton began, James Anderson needed seven more wickets to complete 600 wickets.

The English fast bowler took full advantage in Pakistan’s first innings and took 5 wickets in the innings with his excellent bowling.

When England followed Pakistan on, Anderson dismissed Abid Ali and advanced to 600 wickets, further narrowing the gap.

However, Anderson had to wait a long time to get a wicket as the game was delayed due to rain and wet field the day after the end of the day.

It didn’t take long for the legendary fast bowler to take a wicket after the start of the game and he crossed the 600 wicket milestone by dismissing Pakistan captain Azhar Ali.

James Anderson is the first fast bowler to cross the 600 wicket milestone and the fourth overall to win the award.

6️⃣0️⃣0️⃣

Scorecard/Clips: https://t.co/fL9aifFjyV#ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/jjNlyM1Ty6

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 25, 2020

Earlier, the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket was Australia’s Glenn McGrath, who took 563 wickets in 124 Test matches.

The greatest wicket-taker in Test cricket is the great Sri Lankan spinner Matthiah Murali Dharan, who has taken 800 wickets in 133 Test matches.

Spinners Shane Warne and Anil Kumble are second and third on the list with 708 and 619 wickets respectively.

Remember that James Anderson is also the fastest bowler to play the most Test matches in international cricket.

Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar AKA Rawalpindi Express also congratulated Anderson on Twitter.

Incredible 600 by @jimmy9 . What an amazing achievement. Playing 156 Test Matches for a medium fast bowler is no less achievement. Cheers mate. #JamesAnderson #600TestWickets #England pic.twitter.com/dVFMqPvuwA

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) August 25, 2020