James Anderson becomes the first pace bowler to take 600 scalps in international cricket

James Anderson creates history as he registered his 600th Test wicket in series-deciding third and final Test match against Pakistan at as Rose Bowl in Southampton. He is only pacer to pick up 600 wickets in international cricket i.e. including Tests and One Day Internationals. Jimmy w becomes fourth-highest wicket-taker in red-ball cricket after likes of Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (709), and, Anil Kumble (619) respectively. While Muralitharan was an off-spinner, his counterparts Warne and Kumble were leggies. 

Anderson could have easily reached milestone but earlier in first innings few catches were dropped off his bowling. Even in second innings, opening batsman Abid Ali got a much-needed lifeline off Test specialist's bowling when Jos Buttler dropped a sitter behind stumps. He eventually went on to score a 162-ball 42.

38-year old h registered his 29th five-wicket haul in game's longest format during first innings. He finished with figures of 5/56 at an ecomy rate of 2.43.

Moment of Glory

veteran Test specialist achieved this feat by getting rid of Pakistani Test skipper Azhar Ali on Day 5. It happened in 62nd over of Pak's second innings.

On second delivery, Anderson bowled one around off stump as batsman was completely taken by surprise and was carried away by extra bounce and before he could react, it was too late as ball took outside edge of his bat and went straight into hands of Ali's opposite number Joe Root who took a regulation catch at first slip.

re was a lot of delight in English team and Jimmy was seen waving his arms to empty stium after having reached milestone.

Initially, it appeared that speesdster will have to wait ar day for getting re due to rain playing a spoilsport on Day 5. However, he can w heave a sigh of relief as his was able to reach milestone of 600 Test scalps.

(Im Courtesy: AP)