England's greatest ever bowler — 700+ Test wickets and the leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers in Test history, whose mastery of swing in English conditions is without equal.
James Michael Anderson was born in Burnley, Lancashire in 1982 and became England's greatest ever wicket-taker and the leading wicket-taker among all fast bowlers in Test cricket history. He surpassed 700 Test wickets in 2024 across 188 matches at an average of 26.45 — the most by any fast bowler in the history of the game. He has bowled 39,146 balls in Test cricket. He plays for Lancashire. He took 269 ODI wickets in 194 matches. He won the Ashes in 2005, 2010–11 and 2013. His 7-wicket hauls include figures of 7 for 42 against the West Indies and 7 for 43 against New Zealand. His ability to swing the ball in both directions, reverse-swing old balls and seam the ball off the pitch in all conditions made him the most complete fast bowler in England's history. He took his 500th Test wicket in 2017 against West Indies — the first Englishman and third overall to reach the landmark. He was awarded the OBE in 2014. His partnership with Stuart Broad — together taking 1,200+ Test wickets — is the most successful bowling partnership in Test cricket history. He retired from Test cricket in 2024 after 22 years as England's leading fast bowler.
Ashes winner 2005, 2010–11, 2013 (England)
He took his 700th Test wicket in 2024 — becoming the only fast bowler in history to reach that milestone.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- Ashes winner 2005, 2010–11, 2013 (England)
- ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (squad)
- England all-time leading wicket-taker (700+)
- Wisden Cricketer of Year 2008
- Test Cricket World No.1 Bowler (multiple weeks)
- OBE 2014