In the realm of Test cricket, the age-defying Jimmy Anderson etched his name in history by becoming the first fast bowler to claim 700 wickets. This milestone was reached during the final match's third morning, despite India concluding their first innings with a commendable total of 477 on Saturday.
Kuldeep Yadav, scoring 30, was Anderson's historic 700th dismissal, contributing to India's substantial first innings advantage of 259. This lead was established shortly after play commenced, with India being bowled out within the first 20 minutes.
In a notable partnership for the ninth wicket, Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah (20) and Kuldeep Yadav added 49 runs before India's innings was concluded by off-spinner Shoaib Bashir's impressive five-wicket haul (5/173 in 46.1 overs), marking his second in the series.
The significant lead was set up by notable innings from Captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, both scoring centuries, with valuable half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and debutant Devdutt Padikkal.
James Anderson, representing England, reached this unparalleled milestone as a seamer in the fifth Test match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium by dismissing Kuldeep Yadav on the third day. Now, at 41 years old, Anderson trails only behind legends Shane Warne (708 wickets) and Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) in the record books.
Achieving this landmark over 187 Tests, Anderson boasts an average of 26.52. Reflecting on Anderson's journey, former captain and teammate Alastair Cook remarked on the evolution of Anderson's greatness around 2010, particularly noting his enhanced ability to secure wickets not just in England under swing-friendly conditions.
With a remarkable tally of 434 wickets on home soil and 266 in international venues, Anderson's prowess in the Ashes is noteworthy. He has claimed 117 wickets, including 68 in Australia alone, marking it as his most successful hunting ground outside of England.