James Anderson: Breaking the Indian barrier to taking 700th Test scalp, seven vivid Test performances by legendary seamer

England's bowling great James Anderson is currently playing his final Test match of his illustrious cricketing venture. In an emotional farewell at the "Home of Cricket", the legend took the field for the final time against West Indies on July 10.

Fans from across quarters of the cricket fraternity took to social media and expressed their admiration for the world-class seamer's distinguished career. The senior pro opened his account by trapping Jayden Seales for an LBW in the first innings.

The experienced campaigner who turns 42 this month, has been one of the integral pillars of England’s Test history. As of now, he took 701 wickets at an average of 26.52, including 32 fifers and 3 ten-wicket hauls. Taking a trip down the memory lane, let’s go through seven memorable bowling spells of legendary James Anderson.

1. When James Anderson announced his arrival in Test cricket

At 20, James Anderson made waves with the ball against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in 2003, in what was a sight to behold. In his debut match, he registered a maiden fifer in the first innings. Zimbabwean batters found it tough to negate his deliveries as the seamer’s late away swing proved to be challenging in the first place. This impactful performance quickly caught the cricket fraternity’s attention and the rest is history.

2. Weaving the magic against India at Eden Gardens

In 2012, the senior pro brought his A-game to the table on a flat track and caused all sorts of problems to the top-quality batters. On a surface that was suitable for batters, the Burnley-born took 3 wickets in each innings, getting rid of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni, whom he dismissed twice. His clinical performance was quite significant in helping England secure a historic series lead in India.

3. Inflicting carnage on Australia in Ashes 2013

The renowned cricketer put up an Ashes performance for the ages by taking a 10-wicket haul in Nottingham. He registered 5/85 in the first innings, which kept England in contention before he went on to record 5/73 in the second innings. His world-class bowling spell changed the course of the game as England secured a thrilling 14-run win.

4. Ripping through Team India’s defense at Lord's

At the age of 36, James Anderson let his ball do the talking by decimating Team India’s batting line-up at the home of cricket in 2018. He packed a hefty punch on a challenging green pitch, where he took 9 wickets (5-20 and 4-23) with an economy rate under two. England won by an innings and 159 runs.

5. Ashes Heroics Down Under (2010/11)

James Anderson silenced the naysayers during the 2010/11 Ashes series in Australia, where he brought the best out of himself by accounting for 24 dismissals. With subtle bowling variations of line and length, he took wickets when it mattered the most, which was the key to England's historic 3-1 series victory, their first win in the enemy soil in 24 years.

6. When Jimmy Anderson gave New Zealand a run for their money

James Anderson unleashed his fury with a stunning 7/43 against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in 2008. His exceptional bowling thoroughly dismantled the opposition's batting lineup. His power-packed bowling spell helped England to a comprehensive win by an innings and nine runs.

7. 700th Test wicket milestone for James Anderson

James Anderson scaled new heights by becoming the first seam bowler to reach 700 Test wickets. He achieved the milestone by dismissing India’s Kuldeep Yadav in Dharamshala, solidifying his status as one of cricket's all-time great bowlers. Earlier, in 2020, he etched his name into the record books by becoming the first seam bowler to take 600 Test wickets and he achieved the feat by dismissing Pakistan’s Azhar Ali in Southampton.