IND vs ENG: 'Greatest of all time,' Twitter hails James Anderson as he becomes first pacer to breach 700-wicket mark in tests

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Published at :March 9, 2024 at 10:56 AM

Modified at :March 9, 2024 at 11:25 AM

The legendary pacer James Anderson made his test debut against Zimbabwe in 2003.

James Anderson the evergreen English pacer, has etched his name even deeper into cricketing folklore. During the pulsating fifth test against India, Anderson became first ever fast bowler in history to claim 700 test wickets. This monumental achievement arrived on day three at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, where England are trailing in the series 3-1.

The 41-year-old joined the legendary spin duo of Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) and Shane Warne (Australia) as the only bowlers to have ever reached the 700-wicket mark in test cricket.

Anderson’s achievement is particularly remarkable considering the challenges faced by fast bowlers, who typically see their effectiveness decline with age. However, Anderson, with his exceptional swing bowling and unwavering control, has defied the odds and continues to be a force to be reckoned with.

Anderson, needed just two wickets at the start of the day two. He dismissed the well-set Shubman Gill, who smashed his fourth test ton in the afternoon session, which was his 699th wicket. At the start of day three play he dismissed left-handed batter Kuldeep Yadav, which was his 700th test wicket.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to James Anderson’s achieving this historic feat:

700 Test wickets is incredible for a spinner .. But to witness a seamer reaching that milestone is ridiculous .. I can’t imagine we will see it happen again .. congrats @jimmy9 on reaching heights nobody has reached before & I doubt will in the future .. #INDvENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 9, 2024

Massive congratulations to @jimmy9 700 Test wkts just let that sink in for a minute…unbelievable effort from an unbelievable bowler 👌🏾🔥 #700 #INDvENG
— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) March 9, 2024

A milestone so rare, becoming the first pace bowler to reach 700 Test wickets! A testament to his perseverance. 👏🏼👏🏼 #JamesAnderson #TestCricket #700Club pic.twitter.com/MI2ne4MjAW
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) March 9, 2024

An exemplary example of Longevity, skill and fitness..doff your hat to The Burnley Express …Jimbo scales 700 .. Absolutely Brilliant from a 41 year old to still have that kind of a desire…
— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) March 9, 2024

What a great bowler @jimmy9 !Congratulations on your 700 test wickets. Monumental effort! A true testament of fitness, passion for the game and skill! Well done 👏🙌 #INDvENG
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) March 9, 2024

The first time I saw Anderson play was in Australia in 2002, and his control over the ball looked special. Nasser Hussain spoke very highly of him back then and today, I am sure, he would say, “Maine bola tha” — that he had called it so early. 😀700 test wickets is a stellar… pic.twitter.com/GijfRXYvoY
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 9, 2024

700 wickets in tests, to put into perspective, out of all the overs you've bowled, 116.4 overs have been wickets. Well done @jimmy9!#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/erQ6VTyLWP
— DK (@DineshKarthik) March 9, 2024

Bow down to the Swing King! 👑James Anderson has become the first pacer to claim 7️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ wickets in Test Cricket. 🙌#IDFCFirstBankTestSeries #BazBowled #INDvENG #JioCinemaSport pic.twitter.com/Rj6iHht5J4
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) March 9, 2024

Another milestone reached 📈More history made 📘Jimmy's 700 Test wickets in numbers here: https://t.co/Eann2PXc97 pic.twitter.com/kdfgcur4ow
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 9, 2024

We are so lucky to be witnessing utter greatness 🙏An unfathomable achievement built of unrivalled skill, longevity and absolute dedication 🦁Congratulations, @jimmy9 👏 pic.twitter.com/fFuDPCoaap
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 9, 2024

Jimmy Anderson's father watched Jimmy pick his 1st Test wicket.Jimmy Anderson's father watched Jimmy pick his 700th Test wicket.– What a proud day for him, watched Jimmy when he was a rookie to now watching him in the greatest of all time list. 👏 pic.twitter.com/PDYC9sxqGh
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 9, 2024

The third player into the 700 club:Well bowled, Jimmy Anderson #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/uFtcLhGmbz
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 9, 2024

He loves to bowl & bowl & bowl. 700 is just by-product of his great skills. One of the greats of the game, to whom we owe eternal gratitude for enriching this sport of ours. Thanks Jimmy Anderson. 🙇🙇🙇
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 9, 2024

700 Test Wickets, It took 22 long years to achieve this milestone 👏 Take a bow @jimmy9 🔥 Swing King 👑 Mark my words, No Fast Bowler in coming 100 yrs will break Jimmy Anderson record 👊🏻#INDvENG #Anderson #INDvsENG #INDvsENGTest #Anderson700 pic.twitter.com/pI630SAnGQ
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) March 9, 2024

Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Anderson….#INDvENG #INDvsENG #jimmyanderson pic.twitter.com/iYXoZkNgSr
— IAN (@BIGGLES4863) March 9, 2024

Another jewel in the crown of James Anderson 👑➡️ https://t.co/NclpXwxcNa #WTC25 | #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/JV12NGobAB
— ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2024

The legendary pacer is now just nine wickets away from going past Australia’s great leg-spinner Shane Warne. The wily leg-spinner snared a total of 708 wickets in his legendary test career before he retired from the sport in January 2007. Anderson made his test debut against Zimbabwe in May 2003 and interestingly the two countries have not played a test match against each other since then.

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Utkarsh Rathour

Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.