James Anderson-Stuart Broad become second bowling pair to take 1000 wickets together

James Anderson and Stuart Broad became the second bowling pair to take 1000 wickets together in Test cricket. The England duo reached the milestone on Day 2 of the ongoing 1st Test against New Zealand at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on February 17. They completed the unique feat after Broad dismissed nightwatchman Neil Wagner in the first session on the second day.

The pacers entered the first Test with 997 scalps as a pair, and Anderson made it close to the landmark on Day 1. He dismissed Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls at the end of first day’s play to reach 999 wickets. Broad, on the other hand, got rid of Wagner, caught by Ollie Robinson. The duo combined their tally to four figures in their 133rd match in the longest format.

Australian legends Glenn McGrath and the late Shane Warne are on the top of the list who had reached the milestone of scalping 1000 wickets. The Aussie duo had shared 1001 scalps bowling together in 104 Test appearances. The Anderson-Broad pair are among the top five wicket-takers in Test cricket. They are also the highest wicket-taking pacers in the longest format of the game.

Anderson has picked 677 wickets in 178 Tests, while Broad has 567 from 160 matches. The 40-year-old Anderson, who made his Test debut in 2003, is currently the third bowler with the most number of Test wickets. Meanwhile, the 36-year-old Broad, is fifth in the list behind fourth-placed India legend Anil Kumble, who has 619 wickets in his name. Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan tops the list with 800 wickets, followed by Warne, who has claimed 708 wickets.

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first on Day 1 of the series opener. England posted 325 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in just 58.2 overs. Ben Duckett (84) and Harry Brook (89) were the highest scorers for England. Thereafter, the visitors came on to bowl and picked three early wickets on the first day itself.  

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