England pacer James Anderson, one of the greatest pace bowlers to have played the game, turns 41 on Sunday. Ever since his international debut in 2002, Anderson has proven himself to be the epitome of longevity. The fact that he has spent 20 years delivering top-class performances in international cricket as a fast bowler, one of the toughest tasks in cricket physically, talks volumes about his fitness.
In 183 Tests, Anderson has taken a total of 690 wickets at an average of 26.34. His best bowling figures are 7/42. He has taken 32 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls in Test cricket. He is the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket next to Sri Lanka’s Mutthiah Muralidaran (800 wickets) and late Aussie spin great Shane Warne (708 wickets). He is the highest wicket-taker in Tests for his country. Anderson is also the most successful pace bowler in the history of the game. He is the fifth-highest bowler to 500 Test scalps and fourth fastest to 600 Test wickets. Anderson has played the second-highest number of Tests, next to India’s legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar (200 matches).