SL vs ENG, 2nd Test: James Anderson Takes 30th Five-Wicket Haul In Tests, Fans Salute England Pacer

James Anderson took his 30th five-wicket haul in Test cricket on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test match between England and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium. The England pacer now has 606 wickets in cricket's longest format. He reached the milestone after dismissing Niroshan Dickwella for 92 runs. He also registered the dismissals of Suranga Lakmal (0), Angelo Mathews (110), Kusal Perera (6), Oshada Fernando (0) and Lahiru Thirimanne (43). He is now sixth in the list of bowlers with most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, overtaking former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath. Spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan tops the list with 67 five-wicket hauls in the longest format.

30th five-wicket haul for James Anderson in Tests

He now has wickets in the format

He gets Niroshan Dickwella for 92!#SLvENG pic.twitter.com/IpXvZ8nh9J

— ICC (@ICC) January 23, 2021

Anderson is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. He is behind Anil Kumble, who has 619 wickets to his name. Muralitharan sits atop the list with 800 wickets.

This was Anderson's second five-for in Asia. He had earlier bagged five wickets at the same venue against Sri Lanka in 2012, although England went on to lose that match.

On Saturday, after completing his five-wicket haul, Suranga Lakmal became Anderson's sixth victim as the England pacer finished the innings with figures of 6/40.

Twitter was abuzz after Anderson's fiery display against Sri Lanka. Here are some of the reactions from fans on social media:

One of my fav England cricketer
"Anderson" pic.twitter.com/CDW1vOgOX7

— Noorima khanam (@KhanamNoorima) January 23, 2021

Hot day in Galle,
38 Years of Age,
Flat Wicket,
Bowled 26+ Overs and still going strong,
Bowling at mid 130ks,
Conceded at RR less than 2,
Picked up Fifer

All this after playing 156 tests, country cricket, 194 ODIs and few T20Is.

Isn't he the fittest legend ever??

— Tharun Kumar (@TarunJnds) January 23, 2021

Anderson is of the greatest to ever do it, and probably doesn't get the respect he is due outside of England. #cricket

— JM (@iamjohnm) January 23, 2021

Goat / legend

— RK-ARJUN (@RKARJUN71) January 23, 2021

Anderson's heroics restricted Sri Lanka to a first innings score of 381. The Sri Lanka Lankans will be aiming to put pressure on England, and hope to draw the two-match Test series. England had won the fist match by seven wickets.

Topics mentioned in this article

England Cricket Team Sri Lanka Cricket Team James Anderson Cricket