James Anderson's final Test: A statistical breakdown of England fast bowling giant's red-ball career
England's fast bowling legend James Anderson will be featuring in his final Test when the hosts take on West Indies at the iconic Lord's cricket stadium in London starting Wednesday, July 10. The conclusion of the first Test of the three-match series will bring the curtains down on the fabulous career of the bowler, who will turn 42 on July 30.
Having made his Test debut against Zimbabwe at Lord's back in May 2003, Anderson has gone on to feature in 187 matches in which he has claimed 700 wickets at an average of 26.52, with 32 five-fers and three 10-wicket match hauls.
Speaking about his retirement from Test cricket at a pre-match press conference, the fast bowling giant said:
"I still feel as fit as I ever have, like I'm bowling as well as I ever have. I still think I could do a job. But at the same time I understand that it has to end at some point. The fact that it now is just something I've got to deal with and accept."
As the 41-year-old brings an end to a wonderful career, here's a statistical analysis of his performances in the red-ball format for England.
Most wickets by a pacer in Test cricket
Anderson holds the record for most wickets taken by a pacer in Test cricket. He has 700 scalps to his name from 187 matches. Only former Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Australia's spin wizard Shane Warne (708) have taken more wickets in Test cricket than the England great.
If Anderson picks up nine wickets at Lord's, he will go past Warne on the list of leading wicket-takers. Former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble (619) and Anderson's long-time fast bowling partner Stuart Broad (604) are the only other bowlers in Test cricket who have claimed over 600 scalps.
Anderson: An absolute sensation in home conditions
Of his 187 Test matches, Anderson has played 105 at home, in which he has claimed 434 scalps at an average of 24.50, with 24 five-fers and three ten-wicket match hauls.
His away numbers are also impressive, although not as good. In 76 Tests, the right-arm pacer has picked up 244 wickets at an average of 30.66, with eight five-fers, which includes a best of 6-40. At neutral venues, Anderson has claimed 22 wickets in six Test matches at an average of 20.54.
How Anderson has fared against top Test-playing nations
If we take a look at Anderson's record against top Test-playing nations, he surprisingly doesn't have as good a record against Ashes rivals Australia. In 39 Test matches against the Aussies, he has claimed 117 scalps at an average of 35.97, with five five-fers and one 10-wicket match haul.
On the contrary, the veteran England pacer has enjoyed his battles against India. In 39 Tests against the Asian side, he has picked up 149 wickets at an average of 25.47, with six five-wicket hauls. Further, in 29 Tests against South Africa, he has claimed 103 wickets at an average of 30.07, with four five-wicket hauls.
Anderson has also performed very well against New Zealand in Test matches. In 20 Tests against the Kiwis, he has 84 wickets at an average of 26.05, with three five-fers. The right-arm pacer has also featured in 20 Tests against Pakistan in which he has claimed 82 scalps, averaging 19.23, with three five-fers and one ten-wicket match haul.
A genius of a match-winner
Anderson's performance in Test matches that England won speaks volumes of his ability as a match-winner in red-ball cricket. Heading into his farewell game, the veteran cricketer has featured in 82 Test matches that England have won and has picked up 380 wickets at an average of 19.60. Twenty one of his 32 five-fers and all of his three ten-wicket match hauls have come in winning causes.
The fast bowler has a middling record in Test matches that England have lost, another indication of how highly the team has been dependent on him to deliver the goods. In 68 matches that England have lost with Anderson in the playing XI, the pacer has claimed 186 wickets at an average of 36.92, with seven five-fers.
Getting better with age! James Anderson's Test record after turning 35
On an average, most cricketers retire in their mid-30s, having gone past their prime. However, in case Anderson, it has been a case of getting better with age. His Test bowling average after turning 35 is significantly better than his overall average of 26.52.
The England legend has featured in 62 Tests after turning 35. He has picked up 220 scalps at an average of 22.86, with as many as 10 five-fers. Of his 220 wickets, 30 have come against Australia in 13 matches, 63 against India from 17 games and 32 against New Zealand from eight matches. Further, he has claimed 28 wickets against Pakistan (7 Tests) and 26 versus South Africa (6 Tests).
(Stats credit: Statsguru/ Cricinfo)