Anderson became the first and only fast bowler to reach 700 Test wickets earlier this year. ©BCCI
James Anderson's debut season as an England Test cricketer - 2003 - was ironically the one in which Alec Stewart, England's then most-capped player (133) played his last Test. In July 2024, Anderson will bow out of Test cricket at Lord's with his 188th England cap, behind only Sachin Tendulkar's record of 200 Test appearances. Among fast bowlers, he is well clear of the next best - Stuart Broad (167) - shades the once record holder Courtney Walsh (132) by more than 50 appearances.
The three names separating Anderson and Stewart on England's list - Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, and Joe Root - all made their debut after Anderson made his and first two bid adieu before him.
Anderson, soon to turn 42, will have spent half his life as a Test cricketer. He is only the third cricketer, behind Sachin Tendulkar and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, to last as long having played at least a Test in each of the calendar years during their career.
He will retire as one of the just three bowlers in the coveted 700- wicket club in Tests and has a
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