Most Wickets By Bowling Pair In Tests: Anderson-Broad Become Most Successful Partnership in History

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James Anderson and Stuart Broad on Saturday (February 18) completed a unique feat together in Tests as the England pair became the most successful bowling partnership in the longest format.

The duo reached the milestone of 1000 wickets playing together on day 2 of the 1st Test between England and New Zealand at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui after Broad dismissed nightwatchman Neil Wagner in the first session of the Pink Ball Test.

The duo entered the Test with 997 scalps as a pair and Anderson got them closer to the milestone on day 1. The veteran pacer dimissed Kane Williamson, trapped LBW and Henry Nicholls, caught at slips by Zak Crawley to end day 1 at 999 wickets.

In day 2 first session, Broad got rid of Wagner, caught by Ollie Robinson at mid-wicket, to take their combined tally into four figures in their 133rd appearance together in Tests. Anderson added another in the final session of day 2 as he removed Tom Blundell.

Later, Broad and Anderson took four wickets each in the second innings to surpass Australian greats Glenn McGrath and the late Shane Warne, who shared 1001 scalps bowling together in 104 Test matches.

The duo continued their dominance in the home Ashes, starting with the first Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 17, when Broad got two in two to dismiss David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne off successive deliveries.

Most Wickets By Bowling Pair in Tests

The veteran pacers are also among the top five wicket-takers in Tests. In fact, the England pacers are the highest wicket-taking pacers in the longest format.

While 40-year-old Anderson has 686 wickets in 180 Test appearances, his bowling partner and 36-year-old Broad has 585 wickets in 163 Tests. Anderson, who made his Test debut two decades ago, is currently the third in the list for most Test wickets.

Legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan tops the list with 800 wickets followed by the late great Warne, who has taken 708 wickets.

Broad, on the other hand, is fifth in the list behind fourth-placed Indian spin legend Anil Kumble, who has claimed 619 wickets in the longest format.

Most Wickets in Tests