James Anderson Surpassed Glenn McGrath’s Record Of International Wickets: After an innings drubbing at Lord’s last week, England have bounced back in style with an innings victory of their own over South Africa in Manchester on Saturday, winning the game towards the end of Day 3.
It was none other than the charismatic, inspirational England skipper, Ben Stokes, who was at the forefront of the this victory, bagging the Player of the Match award for his first century as England Test captain – 103 runs off 163 balls – plus 4 wickets in the game.
Stokes was supported by wicket-keeper Ben Foakes, who raised his second Test hundred – 113 runs off 217 balls. Stokes and Foakes were involved in a big partnership of 173 runs that saved England on Day 2 and eventually put them to a massive total of 415 – taking a huge first innings lead of 264, which the visitors fell 85 runs short of in their second essay.
James Anderson equals Glenn McGrath’s record of international wickets
Legendary England pacer James Anderson is going strong even at the age of 40 and, in fact, has aged like a fine wine over the past three years.
Anderson finished the game with six wickets – 3 wickets in each South African innings – thus taking his tally of total international wickets to 951 , with that he surpassed Australian great Glenn McGrath, who had retired with 949 scalps in international cricket, making him the highest international wicket-taker among pacers.
Only three bowlers – all three spinners – are ahead of Anderson: Muttiah Muralitharan (1347), Shane Warne (1001) and Anil Kumble (956).
Anderson is already the leading Test wicket-taker among pacers with 664 wickets. In Test cricket, only Warne (708) and Muralitharan (800) have more dismissals than Anderson.
Meanwhile England captain Ben Stokes was effusive in praise for his team, in particular Foakes, for the way they have bounced back after a demoralising loss in the first Test.
“To come back from last week’s disappointment at Lord’s, gives us a lot of confidence and sets up for a cracking finish,” Stokes said at the press conference.
“The way that he (Foakes) kept throughout the summer was incredible, he is a massive plus for the team. Amazing game for him and one that he should never forget. He (Robinson) deserved a call back into this squad, he bowled one of his best in the first innings. He showed up and proved all the hardwork he put in over the past few months. Adapting to the pitch more than anything, some balls are bouncing and some balls did skid, I always found starting against reverse swing was the toughest.
“When you have that clear mindset and remain positive, it makes things that much more easier,” the all-rounder concluded.
The third and the series-deciding Test will start on September 8 at the Oval.
