Retiring England seam bowler James Anderson began his last innings in global cricket bowling exceptionally, removing West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite in the opening Test at Lord’s. Despite an uninspiring first innings where England dismissed the West Indies for 121 with Anderson securing just one wicket, the 41-year-old came back to form impressively.
In a splendid first spell, he delivered a superb ball that uprooted Brathwaite’s stumps. After bowling four outstanding overs, including three maidens, Anderson’s fifth over began with a beautifully executed delivery that sharply cut back to breach Brathwaite’s defence.
The ball swung in, landed on a good length, and completely beat Brathwaite’s inside edge with subtle seam movement.
Jimmy Anderson, there are no words 🤯 pic.twitter.com/bBRCS1uykD
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2024
Anderson has now taken the wicket of the West Indian captain for the eighth time in Test matches, along with the batter averaging just 15.60 in opposition to him. The experienced bowler also expanded his total to 702 Test wickets, 6 wickets short of Shane Warne’s second-position record of 708 in Test history.
After Brathwaite’s removal, Anderson gains an excellent record of 436 Test wickets at domestic and 89 in opposition to the West Indies.
James Anderson became the first pace bowler to bowl 50,000 deliveries in international cricket
James Anderson, the legendary England cricketer, made history as the first fast bowler to deliver 50,000 deliveries in international cricket. This milestone was reached on Day 2 of his farewell Test against West Indies at Lord’s in London on July 11.
Anderson now stands alongside Muttiah Muralitharan, Anil Kumble, and Shane Warne in the elite group of players who have bowled 50,000 or more deliveries in internationals. In Test cricket specifically, Anderson also became the inaugural pace bowler to deliver 40,000 deliveries.
This achievement places the 41-year-old in the company of the aforementioned cricketing greats. Notably, Anderson has delivered more than 6,000 balls than his former England teammate Stuart Broad.
These milestones were accomplished during Anderson’s ninth and tenth overs in the second innings against West Indies, with Joshua Da Silva and Jason Holder facing these landmark deliveries.
Most deliveries bowled in international matches
- 63132 – Muttiah Muralitharan
- 55346 – Anil Kumble
- 51347 – Shane Warne
- 50001 – James Anderson*
Most deliveries bowled in Test matches
- 44039 – Muttiah Muralitharan
- 40850 – Anil Kumble
- 40705 – Shane Warne
- 40001 – James Anderson*
- 33698 – Stuart Broad
Following his farewell Test against WI at Lord’s, Anderson will take on a mentoring role with the England team.
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