James Anderson surpassed Glenn McGrath to become the greatest wicket-taker in international cricket among pacers on Saturday when he dismissed Simon Harmer in South Africa’s second innings of the second Test in Manchester
On Saturday, James Anderson surpassed all other pace bowlers in the history books of international cricket. This achievement was made by the legendary 40-year-old ageless pacer against South Africa in the second test at Old Trafford in Manchester.
It was accomplished by Anderson, who dismissed Simon Harmer for 16 off 48 balls. Excellent delivery from Anderson sent bails flying past Harmer’s stumps. The legendary pace bowler’s wicket led the Old Trafford fans to erupt in celebration.
He has now surpassed Glenn McGrath (949 wickets) to reach the top spot among pacers in the game. Anderson has taken 951 wickets in 287 games.
After passing McGrath, he is now the fourth most successful bowler in all of international cricket.
Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka, late Australian great Shane Warne (1001 wickets), and Indian spin great Anil Kumble (956 wickets) are the three bowlers with the most wickets in international cricket.
At Manchester’s Old Trafford on Saturday, England put on an all-around stellar performance, led by skipper Ben Stokes’ outstanding century and bowling from the ageless James Anderson. This helped the home team defeat South Africa by an innings and 85 runs in just three days.
With this outstanding victory, England has tied the series 1-1. James Anderson (3/32) and Stuart Broad (3/37) delivered excellent performances that enabled the hosts to dismiss the guests for 151. Kagiso Rabada (36) and Keegan Petersen (21) made some important contributions for the visitors, who struggled with the English weather conditions and the accompanying ball movement.
Following this, England had a 264 run lead thanks to centuries from Ben Stokes (103) and wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes (113*). Zak Crawley (38) and Jonny Bairstow (49) also made some significant contributions. The Proteas’ pacers Anrich Nortje (3/82) and Keshav Maharaj (2/78) contributed well with the ball, but did not prevent the hosts from building a 264 run lead.
James Anderson (3/30) and Ollie Robinson (3/43), two lightning-quick pacers, helped England dismiss South Africa for just 179 in the next innings, securing an innings victory and leveling the series. Only Rassie van Der dussen (41) and Keegan Petersen (42) made a significant contribution for Proteas.
Stokes’ impressive all-around effort earned him the title of “Man of the Match.” He finished with 103 and also had a figure of 2/17 and 2/30 in both innings.
