Last Updated on 2 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Five incredible facts about James Anderson since turning 35 | James Anderson moves to the top of the Test bowling rankings
James Anderson, at age 40, has taken top spot in the Test bowling rankings following his magnificent performance in the first Test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui. The ageless Anderson produced yet another exhibition, taking 3/36 and 4/18 to guide England to their tenth win out of 11 Tests under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
James Anderson, the machine since turning 35
Anderson has been a terrific bowler for England, with his performances in Australia in 2010/11 and India in 2012 key highlights. However, what he has achieved since turning 35 is nothing short of remarkable, taking his tally up to 682 Test scalps as of 19 February, 2023.
“I just can’t see him stopping,” said Ben Stokes. And how true. Anderson’s longeivity is unlikely to ever be matched, especially given the packed cricketing schedule owing to the rise of T20 leagues. But, even without T20 leagues, a pace bowler playing nearly 200 Tests over a period of 20 years is unthinkable.
With that being said, here are five incredible facts about James Anderson since turning 35.
1. 200+ wickets
Any up-and-coming cricketer would dream of taking 200 Test wickets in their lifetime.
Anderson has achieved this since turning 35.
In this period, the seamer has picked up 202 wickets at an incredible average of 20.56, with ten five-wicket hauls.
2. Second-most wickets of any player in the world since 35th birthday
Only Nathan Lyon has taken more wickets (221) than Anderson’s 202. As of February 23, 2023, Anderson is one of three bowlers to have taken at least 200 Test scalps since July 30th, 2017, with Australia’s Pat Cummins the other to do so (202).
3. Best average and economy among top 15 wicket-takers in Tests since 2017
Out of the top 15 wicket-takers in Test cricket in this period, Anderson’s average of 20.57 is the best. Pat Cummins is next best with 21.33, followed by R Ashwin’s 21.85.
Also, Anderson has the best economy rate, conceding just 2.34 per over. The next best is R Ashwin at 2.62. Anderson’s numbers are simply remarkable when you consider the amount of sixes hit in a cricket game these days.
4. Fifth-oldest bowler to be ranked number one in Tests
Only four bowlers have ever been ranked the number one bowler in Tests at an older age than Anderson. However, Anderson is the oldest since 1936.
Bert Ironmonger (50 years, ten months), Clarrie Grimmett (44 years, two months), Tich Freeman (41 years, two months) and Sydney Barnes (40 years, nine months) were older than Anderson’s 40 years and six months.
5. Averages below 27 in every country
Since the beginning of 2017, Anderson averages less than 27 in every country he he played in. He is the list of his averages in each nation:
- Australia: 26
- England 20
- India: 16
- New Zealand: 21
- South Africa 19.8
- Sri Lanka: 21
- Pakistan: 18
The great man is showing no signs of slowing down. He is now just 18 wickets away from becoming the third bowler in history – and first pace bowler – to take 700 Test scalps.
The way he’s going, even Muralitharan’s magical 800 is in sight.