Anderson overtakes McGrath to become highest Test wicket-taking seamer

Jimmy Anderson has become the highest wicket-taker among seamers in Test matches on the fifth and final day of the five-match series against India at The Oval. The wicket of Mohammed Shami took his tally to 564 wickets and surpassed Australian great Glenn McGrath’s 563 to become the most successful fast bowler in Test history. The list of highest wicket takers in Tests, however, is led by spinners – Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), Shane Warne (708 wickets) and Anil Kumble (609 wickets) which places Anderson as fourth in the all-time list.

Anderson’s much sought after wicket was also the last ball of the series with Shami getting bowled and ending India’s fight on the fifth day. As the ball nipped back and beat the inside to rattle the stumps, Anderson achieved the incredible milestone. The wicket also meant India lost by 118 runs to go down 4-1 in the series.

Anderson’s 564 wickets have come in 143 Tests (267 innings) and has seen him take 26 fifers and 3 10-wicket hauls. His best inning figures are of 7/42 against West Indies last year – when he also brought up 500 wickets. He was then the sixth to enter the elite club of 500 wicket takers. His best figures in a Test are of 11/71 against Pakistan in 2010.

TOP 10 WICKET TAKERS IN TESTS

Muttiah Muralitharan – 800 wickets

Shane Warne – 708 wickets

Anil Kumble – 619 wickets

Jimmy Anderson – 564 wickets *

Glenn McGrath – 563 wickets

Courtney Walsh – 519 wickets

Kapil Dev – 434 wickets

Stuart Broad – 433 wickets *

Richard Hadlee – 431 wickets

Rangana Herath – 430 wickets