Former Indian batsman and Delhi Capitals’ mentor Mohammad Kaif recently congratulated England pacer James Anderson on becoming the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. With the wicket of KL Rahul, the legendary swing bowler has eclipsed Anil Kumble to become the third-highest wicket-taker in the longest format.
19 years into test cricket, Anderson has played the most number of Test matches for a fast bowler. He is England’s most-capped Test player as well. This shows not only his fitness and character but also his love for the oldest format of the game.
Anderson also has the record for the most number of Test wickets against India. With 118 wickets under his belt, he comfortably sits on the top. It is unlikely that anyone will break his record anytime soon. Some players are not able to cross 100 test wickets in their test careers. Yet, here Anderson has 100+ test wickets against a single opponent.
Let legends decide when to retire: Mohammad Kaif
Kaif took to Twitter on Saturday in order to congratulate Jimmy on his milestone. He tweeted: “As a rule, always let legends decide when to retire… especially someone with a deadly late swing. #JimmyAnderson is approaching 40 but has reached 621 & counting. Congrats on becoming the 3rd highest wicket-taker in test cricket.“
Tweet:
As a rule, always let legends decide when to retire… especially someone with a deadly late swing. #JimmyAnderson approaching 40 but has reached 621 & counting.. Congrats on becoming the 3rd highest wicket-taker in test cricket. pic.twitter.com/qEUpLbPi2I
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 7, 2021
Now, Anderson is only behind Former Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and spin legend Shane Warne. They have 800 and 708 test scalps respectively. Jimmy would like to reach as close as he can to their record. Especially because Indians don’t play him that well and they struggle in swinging conditions.
India was bowled out for 278 in the first innings after the last wicket added 33 runs. Ollie Robinson picked five, while Anderson bagged four wickets. For India, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja registered half-centuries and bowlers added some crucial runs as the visitors took a lead of 95 runs in the first innings.
Rory Burns and Dominic Sibley scored 11* and 9* runs respectively before persistent rain forced play to be called off in Nottingham. England is still trailing by 70 runs in their second innings.
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