Xtra Time Web Desk: England’s veteran fast bowler James Anderson achieved another milestone in his illustrious career on Saturday. The 38 year old cricketer claimed his 30th five wicket haul (6-40) in the second test against Sri Lanka at Galle. In doing so Anderson went past legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath who claimed 29th five wickets hauls in an innings. He is now only the second bowler in the history of test cricket to pick 30 plus five wicket hauls after New Zealand legend Sir Richard Hadlee. Anderson’s figures read 29-13-40-6.
The England seamer denied Sri Lankan wicketkeeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella a century (92) for his 30th five for in test career. He took one more wicket to surpass his previous best of 5-75 in Galle in 2012.
The pace spearhead also became the oldest quick to take a five-for in the sub-continent, surpassing Hadlee who achieved the feat at 37 years of age.
Legendary Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan leads the chart with 67 five-fors in Test cricket. He is followed by legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne (37), former New Zealand fast bowler Richard Hadlee (36), ex-India captain Anil Kumble (35) and former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath (34).
Anderson has now picked 606 wickets in test cricket.