The fifth and final Test match between India and England, though already decided in favor of the hosts with a 3-1 series victory in Ranchi, remained significant due to several key storylines. Among them was the milestone of earning the 100th cap for both Ravichandran Ashwin and Jonny Bairstow.
However, the spotlight was firmly on James Anderson, England’s leading wicket-taker, as he aimed to reach the historic milestone of 700 Test wickets.
Entering his 187th Test match, Anderson was on the cusp of achieving this remarkable feat, needing just two wickets to reach the coveted landmark. On Day 1, he claimed one of those wickets with a masterful delivery that dismissed centurion Shubman Gill. The anticipation surrounding Anderson’s pursuit reached its climax on the morning of Day 2.
Partnering with Shoaib Bashir, Anderson commenced England’s bowling attack, determined to break the resilient partnership between Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah. Within ten deliveries, Anderson executed a flawless plan, inducing a glove-snapping delivery that caught Kuldeep off guard.
Jimmy’s dad celebrating his 700th Test wicket 🥺 pic.twitter.com/Ndf3Lh8ZSV
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) March 9, 2024
Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz v Bairstow-Some exchange of words between them 😅🤪
— Dipanjan Chatterjee (@I_am_DipCh) March 9, 2024
Ben Stokes and Co 🤪🤣🤣#TestCricket #INDvENG #ShubmanGill #DhruvJurel #Bairstow #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/TI2MkzMT6i
Following it up with a deceptive full delivery, Anderson secured the crucial wicket, etching his name in cricketing history.
Bow down to the Swing King! 👑
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) March 9, 2024
James Anderson has become the first pacer to claim 7️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ wickets in Test Cricket. 🙌#IDFCFirstBankTestSeries #BazBowled #INDvENG #JioCinemaSport pic.twitter.com/Rj6iHht5J4
As jubilation engulfed Anderson and his teammates, he basked in the moment, receiving accolades from both the English and Indian supporters present. Acknowledging the applause, Anderson proudly displayed the ball to the crowd before leading England off the field alongside his fellow wicket-taker, Shoaib Bashir, who had also achieved a five-wicket haul in the innings.
