On July 28, 2020, Stuart Broad created history as he became the fourth fast bowler in Test cricket to claim 500 wickets. Broad became the second Englishman after Jimmy Anderson and the fourth fast bowler to cross the 500 mark. The English pacer took his 500th wicket in England’s tour of the West Indies last summer, claiming the prized wicket of Craig Brathwaite on the fifth day of the third Test at Old Trafford. It was a historic breach as not many people have reached this milestone, especially in Test cricket.
Broad became the fourth fast bowler to reach 500 Test wickets after West Indies’ Courtney Walsh (519), Australia’s Glenn McGrath (563) and England’s Jimmy Anderson (617). While Anderson is currently leading, Broad has added 23 Test wickets since breaking this record, that too in 148 Test matches.
Among all-time Test wicket-takers, Broad is at the sixth position while Walsh is at the seventh position. In the first place is the Sri Lankan giants, who have taken 800 wickets in 133 Test matches played. Australia’s Shane Warne is at number two, who has taken 708 wickets. In India’s ‘jumbo’, Anil Kumble at number three with 619 wickets is followed by Anderson (617) at fourth place and McGrath (563) at fifth place. Only seven players in Test history have reached 500 Test wickets.
It was a memorable Test match for Broad as Spearhead claimed another ten-fors and registered figures of 6/31 and 4/36 in the first innings in the second innings of the third Test against the West Indies. The Windies batsmen were taken aback while bowling with seam movement. England beat West Indies (197 and 129) by 269 runs as the hosts (369 and 226/2d). Broad took 15 wickets in the series despite losing the first Test.
Broad was adjudged Player of the Match and Player of the Series. Just one more award to add to his decorated trophy cabinet and career. Broad made his debut for England against Sri Lanka in December 2007. Chaminda Vaas was his first wicket and since then Broad has only been adding wickets to his collection.
In Test cricket, Broad has so far taken 523 wickets in 148 matches, including 18 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls, with the best figures of 8/15 in an innings. In white-ball cricket, Broad has played 121 ODIs and taken 178 wickets including only one Pfeiffer and the best figures of 5/23. In T20Is, the England pacer has played 56 matches for England, with 65 wickets and best figures of 4/24.
From 2016, Broad was reserved for Test cricket only with veteran Jimmy Anderson. At 35, Broad is doing fine as he continues to terrorize the batsmen with his seam. All eyes will be on the experienced bowlers this summer as England host India in a five-match Test series starting on August 4.
get all IPL news and cricket score Here
.