James Anderson’s Historic Milestone at HPCA Stadium: Claiming the 700 th Test Wicket

Dharamsala (Arvind Sharma)9/3/24

In a momentous occasion at the Dharamsala HPCA Stadium on March 9, 2024, the cricket world witnessed history as England’s veteran pacer, James Anderson, achieved a monumental milestone by claiming his 700th Test wicket. Anderson, at the age of 41, etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming only the third bowler to reach this illustrious figure in Test cricket.

This milestone at the HPCA Stadium not only celebrates Anderson’s extraordinary career but also marks the ground as the venue of a significant moment in cricket history

The sunny morning in Dharamsala saw Anderson dismiss India’s Kuldeep Yadav, marking his 700th victim. This achievement not only underscores Anderson’s enduring skill and precision but also his significant contribution to English cricket over the years. Notably, during the 2012 series against India, Anderson’s exceptional performance with 12 wickets played a crucial role in England’s victory, highlighting his impact on the game.

Beginning his Test career in 2002 against Zimbabwe, Anderson has consistently troubled batsmen worldwide with his lethal swing bowling. His journey from taking his 100th wicket by dismissing Jacques Kallis in 2008 to reaching the 700-wicket milestone in Dharamsala reflects a remarkable career spanning over two decades.

Surpassing all pacers in Test cricket history, Anderson now stands as the third-highest wicket-taker, trailing behind the legendary spinners Muthaiah Muralidharan and Shane Warne. Born in Burnley, Lancashire, Anderson is celebrated as one of the finest swing bowlers, mastering both conventional outswing and reverse swing.

In addition to his bowling prowess, Anderson has shown commendable skill with the bat, setting another record for the longest streak of Test innings without a duck.