Former India cricketers Mohammad Kaif and VVS Laxman congratulated England pacer James Anderson on becoming the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket on Friday (August 6).
The 39-year-old achieved the feat on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against India when he dismissed KL Rahul with an outside-off delivery for 84 in the second session at Trent Bridge
After dismissing well-set Rahul, Anderson surpassed Anil Kumble (619) to become the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket in Nottingham. He is already England’s all-time highest wicket-taker in the format.
With 621 wickets, Anderson is only behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warner (708) on the list of highest wicket-takers in the traditional format of the game.
After the English pacer’s massive achievement, Laxman and Kaif took to Twitter to congratulate Anderson for the special feat while hailing his hard work over the years.
Laxman wrote on Twitter: “18 years of hunger and relentless pursuit of excellence at the top level. For any bowler it is a special effort, but for a fast bowler it is extra special. Many congratulations to James Anderson on becoming the 3rd highest wicket taker of all time . Richly deserved.”
Meanwhile, Kaif tweeted, “As a rule, always let legends decide when to retire… especially someone with a deadly late swing. #JimmyAnderson approaching 40 but has reached 621 & counting.. Congrats on becoming the 3rd highest wicket-taker in test cricket.”
Noteworthy, Anderson has played the most number of Test matches for a pace bowler and he is England's most-capped Test player as well with 163 outings so far. He scalped four wickets in the first innings against India in the ongoing first Test at Trent Bridge.
