James Anderson picks 950th wicket, records most international wickets by a fast bowler

ENG vs SA: James Anderson broke Glenn McGrath’s record for most wickets by a fast bowler in international cricket with his 950th wicket at Old Trafford on Saturday.

James Anderson became the most successful fast bowler of all time in international cricket with his 950th wicket. | Photo Credit: STU FORSTER

England’s James Anderson picked his 950th international wicket during the second Test against South Africa at his home ground in Old Trafford, Manchester on Saturday.

Anderson’s milestone scalp of South Africa’s Simon Harmer helped him scale past Australian legend Glenn McGrath’s tally of 949 wickets to become the most successful fast bowler in international cricket. He proceeded to dismiss Kagiso Rabada and finished with figures of 3/30 as England levelled the series with an innings and 85-run win.

Second ball with the second new ball! 🐐

Scorecard/clips: https://t.co/e4go7z2x78

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #ENGvSA 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/FdN5J8Izoz

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 27, 2022

The 40-year-old, who is playing in his 173rd Test and a record 100th at home, is fourth on the all-time wicket-takers list across formats. Muttiah Muralidaran (1347 wickets), Shane Warne (1001) and Anil Kumble (956) make the top three.

Anderson who made his Test debut in 2003, overtook McGrath’s tally of Test wickets (563) in 2018 to become the leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers in the format. He currently stands at 664 wickets - the third-most in history - which include 32 five-wicket hauls.

Most international wickets

Muttiah Muralidaran - 1347 wickets (583 innings)

Shane Warne - 1001 wickets (464 innings)

Anil Kumble - 956 wickets (501 innings)

JAMES ANDERSON - 951 Wickets (533 innings)

Glenn McGrath - 949 wickets (493 innings)