James Anderson reaches 1000 first-class wickets with a sensational 5-wicket haul for Lancashire

England veteran pacer James Anderson has reached the exclusive 1000 first-class wickets milestone on Monday. The 38-year-old veteran reached the monumental feat during Lanchashire’s County championship game against Kent by picking the wicket of Heino Kuhn.

Anderson, who will turn 39 at the end of the month, is already the most prolific fast bowler in the history of Test cricket. He has 617 wickets to his name, and reached his latest landmark during an incredible new-ball spell for his home county when he had Heino Kuhn caught behind by Dane Vilas.

James Anderson now has a 1000 wickets in first-class cricket!

What an achievement pic.twitter.com/m7dmPfJEI9

— ICC (@ICC) July 5, 2021

The wicket was taken was the end bearing his name and completed his 51st first-class five-wicket haul as he claimed 5-3 from his first seven overs. In his opening spell of Anderson has returned with 7/19 in 10 overs. Kent are reeling at 49 for 8.

Anderson is just the 14th player to reach 1,000 first-class wickets this century and just the fifth seamer after Andy Caddick (in 2005), Martin Bicknell (in 2004), Devon Malcolm (in 2002) and Wasim Akram (in 2001).

Anderson will play a pivotal role in England’s two upcoming Test series. They will play a five-match Test series against India, starting from August 4, followed by Ashes in Australia, later this year.