2nd Test: James Anderson's love-affair with Lord's continues after five-wicket haul on Day 2

Getting an opportunity to feature on the Lord’s honours board is considered a massive privilege. Some of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game did not get a chance to experience that honour. However, one player whose love affair with Lord’s is still going strong, is none other than legendary English pacer James Anderson. Anderson recorded his seventh honours board appearance on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test against India, after registering a five-wicket haul. The fast-bowler finished the first innings with figures of 5/62, having accounted for the dismissals of Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah.

Anderson had earlier recorded his presence on the honours board in the year 2018, 2017, 2013, 2011, 2007 and 2003 respectively. The 39-year-old’s maiden appearance was recorded in 2003 when he registered figures of 5/73 against Zimbabwe. This was followed by Anderson recording figures of 5/42 against India in 2007. The English pacer further recorded figures of 5/65 against the Asian giants in the year 2011. Anderson followed it up with 5/47, 7/42 and 5/20 against New Zealand, West Indies and India in 2013, 2017 and 2018 respectively.

The 39-year-old further became the oldest pacer to take a 5-wicket innings haul in Tests in the last 70 years, following his exploits in the first innings of the second Test against India. Anderson is overall the fourth oldest fast-bowler ever to take a five-wicket haul in men’s Tests after Frank Laver: 39y 231d, Chubb: 40y 84d and Sydney Barnes: 40y 301 d.

James Anderson surpasses Anil Kumble

Anderson recently surpassed legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble to become the third-highest wicket-taker in the history of the longest format of the game. The pacer achieved the unique milestone on Day 3 of the opening Test against India, following the dismissal of KL Rahul who was looking confident following a half-century. Rahul’s departure marked the English pacer’s 620th dismissal in Test cricket, surpassing Kumble who bowed out of the game with 619 Test wickets. Anderson further accounted for the dismissal of Shardul Thakur to increase the tally of wickets to 621.

Legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan leads the charts, having accounted for 800 dismissals. Australian cricketer Shane Warne is placed on the second spot in the list, with 708 dismissals to his credit. Glenn McGrath rounds off the top five list having accounted for 563 wickets.

Anderson equals Kumble’s tally on Day 2

Anderson equalled Kumble’s record in Test cricket on Day 2 of the opening Test, following the dismissal of Team India skipper Virat Kohli. The England pacer became the joint third-highest wicket-taker in the longest format of the game. Kohli’s dismissal marked the first time that Anderson had managed to dismiss the Team India skipper since 2014.

“I feel like I’ve challenged Virat in that area before. He either played or missed or left it. He’s always been good enough to sort of get through and today it was just one of those days where he nicked it. Getting Kohli out that early was quite unusual,” said the English pacer at the end of the day’s play.