Sport

Howzat! Lancashire golden boy James Anderson becomes second all-time wicket taker during final ashes test

By Tim Hyde

Lancashire golden boy James ‘Jimmy’ Anderson has over-taken legendary England bowler Bob Willis to become second all-time leading test-wicket taker.

The prize wicket was Australia’s in-form captain Michael Clarke in the final Ashes test today at the Oval.

The Rose swing bowler has been the poster boy of English cricket since he burst on to the scene for Lancashire in 2002–aged just 20.

The key to Jimmy’s success in the test arena has been his outstanding ability to bowl consistent line and length deliveries.

At the age of 31, the Lancastrian is still England’s greatest bowling threat, who has yet again proved his worth with a 10 wicket haul at Trent Bridge during this Ashes series. 

Lauded by critics, Anderson is considered one of England’s best ever cricketers a claim backed up by his statistics in all formats of the game.  

England’s right-arm seamer has accumulated 326 test wickets and is 22nd leading test-wicket taker in the history of the sport.

Nicknamed the ‘King of Swing’ Anderson is a crowd favourite who receives rapturous applause whenever he is elected to bowl.

As well as being the Three Lions strike bowler Anderson lends a hand in the field being one of the premier fielders in world cricket.

With Anderson’s current form Ian Botham’s 383 test-wickets record is well within his sights. 

Image courtesy of nic_r with thanks

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