Every player wants to reach the top position in his game, but there are very few who achieve their targets. In the game of cricket, batsmen and bowlers want to create records and write their names in the record books.

Last week England won the first Test against West Indies by an innings and 114 runs at Lord’s. But more than England’s win, the match will be remembered as the last game of James Anderson, one of the all-time greats.

Anderson has redefined the art of swing bowling. He achieved many milestones in his career and some may remain unbroken.

In a Test career spanning more than two decades, Anderson picked 704 Test wickets, the most by a pacer and third highest in Test history. It’s rare for a pace bowler playing Test cricket for two decades, especially after turning 35, but Anderson proved his exceptional fitness. Twenty-one years at the top is a tribute to his fitness.

After turning 35, Anderson claimed 224 Test wickets in 63 Tests at an average of around 22, including four in his final Test.

His Test bowling average is 26.45. He took 10 or more wickets in a match thrice. On 32 occasions he took five or more wickets in an innings. He is the only fast bowler to have taken over 400 Test wickets on home ground.

Interestingly, the top two Test wicket-takers are both spinners. Former Sri Lankan magician Muttiah Muralitharan is on the top with 800 wickets in 133 matches, Australia’s Shane Warne second with 708 in 145 appearances.

Anderson is a genuinely classical out-swing bowler and also capable of reverse swing with the old ball. In favourable conditions he is very dangerous and sometimes nearly unplayable.

In 2003, just around a week before his Test debut, Anderson became the youngest bowler ever to take a hat-trick for Lancashire.

Anderson made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2003 at Lord’s. In the first innings he claimed 5-73 and England won the Test by an innings and 92 runs.

In April 2015, when Anderson surpassed Sir Ian Botham’s record of 383 wickets, Botham predicted Anderson could go on and take 450 Test wickets, but Anderson said that 450 wickets was a long way to go.

“I’m not going to think of any target. I’m just going to concentrate on turning up for England and trying to win us games of cricket.”

But after two and half years, he achieved the 500 landmark. During the second Test against Pakistan in July in 2022, at Old Trafford, he became the first fast bowler to take 50 wickets against seven major Test-playing nations: Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies.

Born on July 30, 1982, in Burnley, Lancashire, Anderson’s journey to becoming England’s leading wicket-taker in Test cricket is a testament to his relentless hard work and passion for the sport.

One of the most striking features of Anderson’s bowling is his ability to swing the ball both ways with pinpoint accuracy. His mastery over the swinging ball, especially in English conditions, made him a nightmare for batsmen around the world.

Anderson’s control over the seam position and his knack for extracting movement off the pitch earned him acclaim and respect from peers and opponents alike.

A significant aspect of Anderson’s success is his ability to adapt to different conditions and formats. His adaptability and skill made him a versatile bowler, capable of delivering match-winning performances across formats and conditions. Anderson has 269 scalps in ODIs and 18 in T20Is.

Anderson’s partnership with fast bowler Stuart Broad has been one of the most successful in cricket history. Together, they tormented batting line-ups around the world, complementing each other’s strengths and creating a formidable force for England.

Anderson’s journey from a young bowler in Lancashire to becoming England’s leading wicket-taker is a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide. Anderson’s name will forever be etched in the annals of cricket history.

He started in 2003 at Lord’s and ended with the first West Indies Test also at Lord’s. He played 188 Test matches. Only Sachin Tendular (200) played more Tests than the pacer. Stuart Broad (167) and Jacques Kallis (166) are the other pacers to have played more than 150 Tests.

Anderson bowled 40,037 deliveries in Test matches, the most by a fast bowler. Second-placed Broad is far behind him with 33,698 balls in Test cricket.

Only two English bowlers have picked more than 600 wickets across formats. Anderson is on top with 991 wickets while Broad is behind him with 847 wickets.

He has one interesting batting record as well. Anderson holds the world record for being “not out”. He has been not out in as many as 114 innings in Test cricket.

His vast experience and knowledge of the game have been invaluable to younger bowlers in the England squad. Anderson’s willingness to share his insights and guide emerging talents has played a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of fast bowlers for England.

khurrams87@yahoo.com