“Absolutely magnificent!” Leading the homages to James Anderson is Sachin Tendulkar

NEW DELHI: Reminiscences and felicitations flowed in from previous cricket players as James Anderson became the first fast bowler to reach 700 Test wickets.
With the wicket of Kuldeep Yadav on Saturday, the 41-year-old veteran England pacer became only the third bowler to reach 700 Test wickets in the current fifth and final Test against India at Dharamshala.

Two wickets shy of reaching the 700 mark, Anderson, the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket history, was two wickets short going into his 187th Test.
JAMES ANDERSON 700
Even though Anderson is a very skilled bowler, game fans are still in awe of his incredible longevity, which is attributed to his fluid movement.
In an ODI against Zimbabwe in 2002, Anderson made his debut for England. Five months later, against archrivals Australia, he took part in his maiden Test match.
Throughout his 22 years as an international cricket player, Anderson developed into a complete bowler, his mastery of both orthodox and reverse swing bowling making the ball speak.
And congratulations for Anderson’s incredible achievement.
Sachin Tendulkar, the batting superstar who played incredible duels with Anderson, led the tributes.
“In 2002, I saw Anderson play for the first time in Australia, and I was immediately struck by his exceptional ball control. In those days, Nasser Hussain was a great admirer of his, and he probably would say the same thing now: “Maine bola tha”—that he had predicted the future so well. 700 wickets in Test cricket is an incredible feat. Before Anderson achieved it, it would have seemed impossible for a fast bowler to play for 22 years and be so reliable that he could collect 700 wickets. Amazingly wonderful! Sachin wrote on X, “#INDvENG.”

Anil Kumble, the legendary bowler for India, shared a post saying, “What a great bowler,, @jimmy9! He finished with 619 Test wickets!” Greetings on reaching 700 wickets in Test cricket. Outstanding work! A real demonstration of ability, enthusiasm for the game, and fitness! Excellent work, #INDvENG.

“We are so lucky to be witnessing utter greatness,” said England Cricket, the official account for all of England’s cricket teams. An incredible accomplishment made possible by unmatched talent, endurance, and unwavering commitment. Best wishes, @jimmy9.