James Anderson, born on 30 July 1982, is an English cricketer renowned for his contributions to the England Test cricket team and Lancashire. Formerly a member of England’s limited overs squads, Anderson is esteemed among English cricket fans as one of the greatest players of all time. His legacy includes holding the record for the highest number of wickets by a pace bowler in the history of Test cricket, with over 650 Test wickets to his name.
James Anderson did not play the first Test match against India. However, he is playing the second Test against India at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Anderson will look to deliver an impactful performance in order to secure the second win for England in the ongoing five match Test Series.
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James Anderson Test Records & Stats
In his illustrious Test career spanning 183 matches, James Anderson has showcased remarkable prowess both with the ball and occasionally with the bat. While his batting contributions amount to 1,340 runs at an average of 9.17, including a solitary half-century, his true mastery lies in his bowling. With a staggering tally of 690 wickets, Anderson has consistently troubled batsmen with his skillful bowling, boasting an impressive bowling average of 26.42. He has achieved 32 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket matches, with his best bowling figures being an outstanding 7/42. Anderson’s dedication and excellence have solidified his place as one of the premier fast bowlers in the history of Test cricket.
Competition | Test |
---|---|
Matches | 183 |
Runs scored | 1,340 |
Batting average | 9.17 |
100s/50s | 0/1 |
Top score | 81 |
Balls bowled | 39,217 |
Wickets | 690 |
Bowling average | 26.42 |
5 wickets in innings | 32 |
10 wickets in match | 3 |
Best bowling | 7/42 |
James Anderson’s Illustrious Test Career
In the summer of 2003, James Anderson made a memorable Test cricket debut against Zimbabwe at Lord’s, taking five wickets in an innings, a feat achieved by only 42 other Englishmen before him. However, the subsequent Test series against South Africa proved challenging for Anderson, denting his reputation as England’s rising star. Despite finishing as England’s leading wicket-taker with 15 dismissals, Anderson struggled to contain Graeme Smith, the South African captain, who punished his bowling relentlessly. Despite this, Anderson’s potential was recognized when he was named Young Cricketer of the Year in August, becoming the first player to unanimously receive the award. Despite a niggling knee injury, Anderson was awarded a central contract with the ECB in September.
In the following seasons, Anderson faced both highs and lows. While initially sidelined during the tour of the West Indies and struggling to find form during the 2004 summer series against the West Indies, Anderson’s performance in the final Test of the summer hinted at a potential resurgence. However, his inconsistency continued during the winter tour to Zimbabwe and South Africa, where he failed to make a significant impact. Despite a successful season with Lancashire in 2005, Anderson faced further setbacks when he was overlooked for selection in crucial Test matches, further complicating his journey to establish himself as a consistent performer at the international level.
In 2006, James Anderson faced a rollercoaster of challenges and opportunities. Initially left out of the senior side’s tour to India as Simon Jones returned from injury, Anderson found himself called up as an injury reinforcement to the England senior squad in India. Despite initially being overlooked, Anderson seized his chance in the final match of the series, impressing with figures of 4/40 in the first innings.
Later that year, Anderson was named in England’s Champions Trophy and Ashes squads, despite not having played any first-class cricket in six months. Unfortunately, the Ashes series against Australia proved to be a disappointment for Anderson and the England team, as they suffered a 0–5 whitewash, with Anderson’s performance falling below the expected standard.
Moving into 2007, Anderson hoped for a fresh start under new coach Peter Moores. Although he did not feature in the Test series against the West Indies, Anderson played a pivotal role in the series against India, stepping up in the absence of the injured Matthew Hoggard. Demonstrating improved consistency, Anderson claimed his 50th Test wicket and ended the series with 14 wickets, earning himself the Man of the Series award and a place on the honours board at Lord’s.
In the subsequent years, Anderson faced the challenges of touring Australia for the Ashes series. Despite initially struggling in the series, Anderson showcased his resilience and adaptability, developing his own wobble-seam delivery to combat the Kookaburra ball’s limited swing. His performances played a crucial role in England’s success, including their series win in Australia during the 2010–11 Ashes series.
However, the following Ashes series in 2013–14 proved to be a difficult one for Anderson and England. Despite his efforts, Anderson was unable to prevent Australia from whitewashing England.
In 2015, during the Ashes series against Australia, James Anderson showcased both his prowess and vulnerability. In the first Test, he contributed significantly with figures of 3–43 in Australia’s first innings, aiding England’s victory by 169 runs. However, in the second Test, Anderson struggled to make an impact, failing to take a wicket in the match as Australia secured a 405-run win. Despite a remarkable performance of 6–47 in the Australian first innings in the third Test, Anderson sustained an injury, ruling him out for the rest of the series. Nonetheless, England clinched the series 3–2.
Moving on to the 2015–16 series against South Africa, Anderson faced mixed fortunes. Although he missed the first Test due to injury, he returned for the second Test but failed to leave a significant mark, taking 1–77 in a drawn match. However, in the third Test, he played a crucial role in England’s historic victory on South African soil, contributing 1–26 in the second innings as South Africa collapsed to 83 all out.
In the subsequent series against India in 2016, Anderson endured further challenges. Despite returning to the side for the second Test, he couldn’t prevent India from securing a 246-run victory. His struggles continued in the third and fourth Tests, where he failed to make a significant impact as India won both matches convincingly. Anderson’s absence in the final Test due to injury further compounded England’s woes as they lost the series 4–0.
In the 2017–18 Ashes series, Anderson faced additional responsibilities as England’s Test vice-captain. Despite off-field controversies within the team, Anderson emerged as a standout performer, claiming 17 wickets at an average of 27.82. His notable performance included a haul of 5/43 in the second innings of the day-night Test at Adelaide, although England ultimately suffered a 4–0 series defeat. Throughout the series, Anderson bowled a staggering 223.3 overs, showcasing his endurance and commitment to the team’s cause.
In the 2021-22 Ashes series, James Anderson was part of the England squad but faced a relatively quiet series overall. His standout performance came in the second test at Adelaide, where he claimed figures of 4/33. Despite his efforts, Australia dominated the series, ultimately winning 4–0.
In the 2023 Ashes series, Anderson’s selection for four out of the five tests sparked some debate, with Michael Vaughan labeling it as “sentimental.” Anderson’s impact on the series was minimal, with no significant contributions highlighted. However, England managed to secure a victory in the fifth test, marking Anderson’s first win against Australia since 2015. Throughout the series, Anderson claimed 5 wickets for 427 runs from 154 overs, marking a relatively subdued performance compared to his previous outings. This series also marked the first time he had taken so few wickets while playing in at least four games in a series.
James Anderson Early & Personal Life
James Anderson attended St Mary’s and St Theodore’s RC High School in Burnley, where his passion for cricket began. From a young age, he played cricket at Burnley Cricket Club, nurturing his talent in the sport. His childhood aspiration was to become a cricketer, and by the age of 17, following a growth spurt, Anderson emerged as one of the fastest bowlers in the Lancashire League. Reflecting on his transition to pace bowling, Anderson mentioned, “I’ve always bowled seam, but when I was about 17 I don’t know what it was but I just started bowling fast all of a sudden”.
Aside from cricket, Anderson is an avid supporter of Burnley FC, showing his love for football. His distinctive hairstyles, appearance, and fashion choices drew comparisons to sports personalities like David Beckham. In 2006, Anderson tied the knot with Daniella Lloyd, whom he met during England duty in London back in 2004. He credited marriage for bringing greater happiness into his life. Together, they are parents to two children.
James Anderson Domestic Career
Anderson made his competitive debut for the Lancashire Cricket Board in a List A one-day match against Suffolk in the 2000 NatWest Trophy, marking his entry into professional cricket by claiming the wicket of Russell Catley. His journey with Lancashire continued, culminating in his first-class debut in 2002. Over the course of 13 matches that season, Anderson showcased his bowling prowess, taking 50 wickets at an impressive average of 22.28, which included three five-wicket hauls. He notched his maiden first-class wicket in May 2002, dismissing Ian Ward, earning recognition as Lancashire’s Most Promising Young County Player, receiving the NBC Denis Compton Award for his outstanding performance during the 2002 season.
In 2003, just before his Test match debut against Zimbabwe, Anderson made history by becoming the youngest player to claim a hat-trick for Lancashire. This feat, achieved just a week before his international debut, marked a significant milestone in his career. The following year, Anderson recorded his maiden first-class ten-wicket haul in a match against Worcestershire in May 2004, further solidifying his reputation as a rising talent.
Despite intermittent challenges, including a stress fracture of the back in 2006, Anderson’s dedication to Lancashire remained unwavering. He continued to contribute to the team’s success, delivering standout performances such as his career-best match figures of 11/109 against Sussex at the start of the 2009 English cricket season. These achievements underscored his pivotal role in Lancashire’s cricketing journey, laying the groundwork for his illustrious career both domestically and internationally.
James Anderson Test Stats FAQs
1- How many wickets has James Anderson taken in Test Cricket?
James Anderson has taken 690 wickets in Test Cricket.
2- How many Test matches has James Anderson played?
James Anderson has played 183 Test matches for England.
3- How many fifers has James Anderson registered in his Test career?
He has registered 32 fifers in Test Cricket.