James Anderson goes past Anil Kumble, climbs higher in wicket-takers list
James Anderson celebrates a wicket on Day 5 (Source: Getty Images)
James Anderson commenced England’s quest for victory on Day 5 by removing Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq. After toiling away for a few wicketless overs thereafter, the speedstercame back and dismissed Mohammad Rizwan to put a dent in Pakistan’s free-flowing scoring rate.
Notably, Anderson’s industrious fourth-innings spell has now taken him past former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble in terms of most international wickets taken across all formats.
James Anderson becomes third highest wicket-taker
James Anderson, who began the Rawalpindi Test with 954 international wickets in his tally, has now gone past India’s Anil Kumble. The 40-year-old pacer, with 957 scalps to his name, is now third on the list of most wickets taken across all international formats.
Sri Lankan spin wizard Muthiah Muralidaran remains at the top with 1,347 wickets, while late Australian cricketer Shane Warne occupies the second slot at 1,001 wickets. As of now, the two spinners are the only cricketers in history to have taken more than 1,000 wickets across internationals.
Anderson, however, is making rapid gains to reach the landmark figure and joining the elite club. The speedster is already Test cricket’s most proficient fast bowler with over 650 wickets. He has also collected another 287 victims in ODIs and T20Is combined.
The Lancashire-based paceman is currently toiling away on the dust bowls of Pakistan, as England seek a rare series win on a historic tour to the country.
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