A look back at James Anderson’s remarkable career with England in Tests

by Divy Tripathi

James Anderson finished a storied Test career as the third-most successful bowler in the longest format with 704 wickets at an average of 26.45 in 188 Tests. In his career of more than two decades, Anderson took home many achievements as a player.

Here we take a look back at his extraordinary journey.

Sedate start

Despite making his debut under the captaincy of Nasser Hussain way back in May 2003 at the age of 20, the initial opportunities for Anderson were limited as the renowned four-pronged pace attack of Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison, Simon Jones, and Andrew Flintoff starred for England in the mid-2000s.

While most of his appearances came at home, Anderson managed to shine in a rare away win in India. Accounting for the likes of Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virender Sehwag, Anderson finished with the match figures of 6/79, as England tied the series 1-1.

Anderson and Broad join forces

It was only in the 2007/08 season that Anderson became a regular fixture in the England Test lineup, and from then on, he never had to look back.

In March 2008, he played for the first time with fellow pacer Stuart Broad, and the duo went on to create the most prolific partnership in Test history. Together they picked up 1039 Test wickets from 138 Tests, bettering the previous best from Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath of Australia (1001 wickets from 104 Tests).

The iconic duo starred in several important wins for England, making the side an almost impregnable force at home in the 2010s. Some of the remarkable English successes at home in this period came in the form of series wins over the then No.1 ranked Test side India in 2011, Australia in 2013 and 2015, and South Africa in 2016, with the Proteas having previously beaten them in 2008 and 2012.

James Anderson bows out on a high as England thump West Indies at Lord's

A performer across conditions

While Anderson made the most of the seam-friendly conditions at home, securing 438 wickets in 106 games, making him the second-most successful bowler at home after Muttiah Muralidaran, he was also productive away from home.

This showed in his performances in Asia, where the pitches have generally favour the spinners. In 32 Tests, Anderson picked up 92 wickets at an average of 27.51. He played a crucial role in England’s series wins in India in 2012 (12 wickets at an average of 30.25), and Pakistan in 2022 (Eight wickets at 18.5).

He was also the leading wicket-taker in England’s last Ashes win away from home, picking up 24 wickets at 26 in Australia.

He was also a regular performer in the West Indies and New Zealand, picking up 36 wickets at 24.80 and 28.36 respectively.

Better with age

Anderson’s longevity in the game, playing Test cricket till the age of 41 was a testament to his fitness and determination, but the pacer also backed his selection with incredible numbers.

Since his 36th birthday in 2018 till his final Test against West Indies, Anderson played 50 Tests, picking up 164 wickets with seven five-wicket hauls. His average in this phase was 23.91, better than his career average of 26.45.