After dismissing Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews in the on-going first test match yesterday at Leeds, England spearhead bowler James Anderson overtakes Kapil Dev in terms of leading wicket takers in test matches. James Anderson has now 438 wickets and is sixth in the list. James Anderson took 5 wickets in 1st innings against Sri Lanka yesterday. Before this match, James Anderson had 433 wickets and needed only 1 wicket to overhaul Kapil Dev’s record. Kapil Dev and James Anderson averages were almost the same. Kapil Dev had taken 434 wickets in 131. Kapil Dev was a quality bowler in his generation while James Anderson is one of best bowler in the current generation.
James Anderson has played 113 test matches taking 438 wickets is a great feat for any bowler especially in test matches. He is one of the greats of the game who can swing the ball in any condition and give the best batsmen in the world trouble. James Anderson also became the 11th bowler to pick the fastest 400 wickets in test matches.
James Anderson has shown his class for England in test matches. His bowling abilities have been outstanding. He is the leader of the pack for England test team and one of the best bowlers in modern day cricket along with Dale Steyn.
In terms of leading wicket takers in test matches, Sri Lankan great spinner Muralitharan leads the pack with 800 wickets in 133 matches, followed by Australian legend spinner Shane Warne with 708 wickets in 145 matches.
The third place is occupied by Indian legend spinner Anil Kumble with 619 wickets in 132 matches, followed by McGrath with 563 wickets in 124 matches. Courtney Walsh is fifth on the list with 519 wickets in 132 matches. James Anderson is number 6th in the list with 438 wickets in 114 matches.
James Anderson has played for England since 13 years which shows his class. Being in the list of leading wicket-takers is a great achievement for James Anderson and hope that he can continue to play for England for 2-3 years more.