‘Splendid record, legendary’: Cricket fraternity hails James Anderson’s historic on reaching 600 Test wickets mark

New Delhi: England’s James Anderson on Tuesday became the first fast bowler to take 600 Test wickets when he dismissed Pakistan’s captain Azhar Ali on the fifth day of the third and final Test

Anderson had taken a five-wicket haul in Pakistan’s first innings, and he returned in their second innings to pick Abid Ali and Azhar after the visitors were made to follow on.

Anderson is currently the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the longest format of the game. The 38-year-old is only behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708), and Anil Kumble (619).

Former Indian captain and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly lauded Anderson and said playing 156 Test match as a fast bowler in just unthinkable.

“Well done james Anderson @jimmy9.. this milestone is just greatness ..156 test matches as fast bowler is just unthinkable..u will make every young fast bowler believe that greatness is achievable,” Ganguly tweeted.

Well done james Anderson @jimmy9 .. this milestone is just greatness ..156 test matches as fast bowler is just unthinkable..u will make every young fast bowler believe that greatness is achievable .@bcci @ECB_cricket

— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) August 25, 2020

Former West Indies bowler Vivian Richards termed Anderson’s 600 Test wickets as a “splendid record”. “Congratulations @jimmy9. What a splendid record to have. More power to you,” Richards tweeted.

Congratulations @jimmy9. What a splendid record to have. More power to you ?? https://t.co/EmpxuBzdrL

— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) August 25, 2020

The England pacer is also just a few matches away from becoming the most capped Test player for England. Currently, former skipper, Alastair Cook is the most capped player for England as he played 161 Tests.

Former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar said that playing 156 Tests for a medium-fast bowler is no less than an achievement.

“Incredible 600 by @jimmy9. What an amazing achievement. Playing 156 Test Matches for a medium fast bowler is no less achievement. Cheers mate,” Akhtar tweeted.

Incredible 600 by @jimmy9 . What an amazing achievement. Playing 156 Test Matches for a medium fast bowler is no less achievement. Cheers mate. #JamesAnderson #600TestWickets #England pic.twitter.com/dVFMqPvuwA

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) August 25, 2020

Legendary bowler Wasim Akram said that hard work, passion, and never-day-die approach have been the hallmark of Anderson’s career

“Champion bowler James Anderson! Congrats on reaching the first-ever 600 wickets for a fast bowler.. hard work, passion and never-day-die approach have been the hallmark of your career.. doyen of fast bowlers, best wishes for the rest of your career @jimmy9,” Akram tweeted.

Champion bowler James Anderson! Congrats on reaching the first-ever 600 wickets for a fast bowler.. hard work, passion and never-day-die approach have been the hallmark of your career.. doyen of fast bowlers, best wishes for the rest of your career @jimmy9

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) August 25, 2020

Anderson is the highest wicket-taker for England in the longest format of the game.

Stuart Broad, who last month achieved the feat of 500 Test wickets, is the second-highest wicket-taker for England in the longest format of the game.