On this day in 2018, James Anderson rounded off a fairytale Test match for England to become the world’s leading, seam-bowling wicket-taker in Test matches. The wicket took Anderson past Glen McGrath, who had taken 563 Test scalps, and won the game for the home side at the Oval. It was Alastair Cook’s last game for England, Anderson’s great friend, and his hundred in the second innings was to go down in history during one of the most emotional fixtures in recent memory. The pair’s embrace at the fall of the final wicket is a photo worthy of its place amongst the iconic snapshots of English cricket.
#OnThisDay three years ago, Alastair Cook enjoyed his last day as a Test cricketer on a record-breaking day for James Anderson.
Anderson took the last wicket of the Test to move past Glenn McGrath to become the seamer with the most Test wickets.
Look at that hug! pic.twitter.com/HMKlt62QON
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 11, 2021
