England’s greatest fast bowler, James Anderson became the first-ever fast bowler to pick 600 wickets in Test Cricket on Tuesday. He achieved the feat during the third Test played at Southampton against Pakistan.
Ahead of the start of the fifth day’s play of the third Test, Anderson had claimed 599 wickets and was only one wicket away of achieving the landmark. Though persistent rain kept delaying the inevitable, Anderson finally claimed his 600th after dismissing Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali on 31.
He is now fourth in the list of the all-time list of highest wicket-takers in Tests, behind Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan and Anil Kumble.
James Anderson started the third Test with 593 wickets to his name. He claimed a five-for in the first innings and it was a matter of time after that.
A lot of cricketers took to Twitter to congratulate Anderson on achieving the feat. Indian skipper Virat Kohli called him as one of the best fast bowlers he has ever faced.
Congratulations @jimmy9 for this outstanding achievement of 600 wickets. Definitely one of the best bowlers I've faced.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 25, 2020
Former batsman Yuvraj Singh too praised the English fast-bowler for achieving the massive feat, calling him a GOAT.
Never thought I’d see in my lifetime a fast bowler take 600 test wickets! It’s not just the quantity but the quality with which he has bowled – be it slow or fast wickets, bounce or no bounce, seam or no seam, for him conditions never mattered! Sir @jimmy9 you are the #GOAT pic.twitter.com/ADrrW7m3zp
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 25, 2020
Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar too wished Anderson on achieving a historic landmark.
What an incredible achievement @jimmy9! Many congratulations on your feat.
6️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ wickets in Test Cricket over a span of 17 years for a fast bowler is a testament to your grit, perseverance and accurate bowling. pic.twitter.com/nQok5bgbOG
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 25, 2020
Congrats on the 600th Jimmy – Aweosme effort buddy 👍 pic.twitter.com/VWflgISbKv
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) August 25, 2020
