Sir James Michael Anderson, known universally as Jimmy Anderson, is widely regarded as the greatest fast bowler in the history of Test cricket. The England and Lancashire swing bowler retired from international cricket in July 2024 with a record 704 Test wickets, a tally that places him third on the all-time list behind only Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. His career, spanning more than two decades, redefined what was possible for a pace bowler in the longest format of the game.
Anderson’s mastery of swing and seam, combined with remarkable longevity, allowed him to surpass every fast-bowling record that stood before him. Even after stepping away from the international stage, he continues to play county cricket for Lancashire, having signed a one-year contract for the 2025 season. His story is one of discipline, skill, and an enduring passion for the sport.
What is Jimmy Anderson’s Test wicket record?
Sir James Michael Anderson
30 July 1982 (Burnley, England)
704 (most by any fast bowler)
Only fast bowler with 700+ Test wickets and England’s all-time leading wicket-taker
Jimmy Anderson’s career statistics place him in a category of his own among fast bowlers. His 704 Test wickets are the most ever taken by a pace bowler, and he is the first and only fast bowler to reach 700 wickets in the format. He achieved that milestone on 9 March 2024.
- Anderson is the most successful fast bowler in Test history, with 704 wickets.
- He retired from international cricket in July 2024 but continues to play for Lancashire in 2025.
- His autobiography, ‘And So It Goes: My Life in Cricket’, details his 22-year career.
- He was appointed England’s fast-bowling mentor after his international retirement.
- He holds the record for the most Test matches played by an England cricketer (188).
- He is the first fast bowler in history to reach 600 and 700 Test wickets.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sir James Michael Anderson |
| Born | 30 July 1982, Burnley, England |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Test Debut | 22 May 2003 vs Zimbabwe |
| Last Test | 10 July 2024 vs West Indies |
| Test Wickets | 704 |
| Best Bowling in Innings | 7/42 |
| ODI Wickets | 269 |
| T20I Wickets | 18 |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Spouse | Polly Anderson (married 2011) |
When did Jimmy Anderson retire from Test cricket and what is he doing now?
Anderson retired from international cricket on 12 July 2024, following the conclusion of England’s Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s. That match marked the end of a 21-year international career that began with his Test debut in 2003. He walked off the field at Lord’s having taken 704 Test wickets, a record that may never be surpassed by another fast bowler.
After retiring, Anderson did not walk away from cricket entirely. He accepted a role as England’s fast-bowling mentor, a position that allows him to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of English pace bowlers. This transition from player to mentor was a natural step for a bowler who had spent two decades at the top of the game.
Is Jimmy Anderson still playing cricket in 2025?
Yes, Anderson is still playing. In late 2024, he signed a one-year contract with Lancashire for the 2025 season. The deal covers both the County Championship and the T20 Vitality Blast, marking his first T20 appearances since 2014. This decision surprised many, as it came after his international retirement, but it reflects his continued desire to compete.
What is Jimmy Anderson’s role at Lancashire in 2025?
Anderson is playing for Lancashire as a senior bowler. He is not the county’s captain; that role is held by another player. His primary contribution on the field will be his experience and skill with the ball, while off the field he continues to serve as England’s fast-bowling mentor. This dual role allows him to stay connected to the international setup while still playing domestic cricket.
Anderson is not Lancashire’s County Championship captain. He is playing as a senior bowler for the club in 2025, while also serving as England’s fast-bowling mentor. The county captaincy is held by another player.
What is Jimmy Anderson’s book about?
Anderson published his autobiography, And So It Goes: My Life in Cricket, in 2024, shortly after his retirement from international cricket. The book offers a first-person account of his 22-year journey from a young bowler in Burnley to becoming England’s greatest wicket-taker. It covers the highs of Ashes victories, the lows of injuries and form slumps, and the mental discipline required to compete at the highest level for two decades.
The autobiography provides insight into his relationships with teammates, his approach to swing bowling, and the challenges of maintaining peak performance into his forties. It is a candid reflection on a career that redefined fast bowling longevity.
Who is Jimmy Anderson’s wife and what is his height?
Anderson is married to Polly Anderson. The couple married in 2011 and have three children together. While Anderson keeps much of his personal life private, his family has been a consistent source of support throughout his long career.
In terms of physical attributes, Anderson stands at 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) tall. His height, combined with his smooth bowling action, has been a key factor in his ability to generate bounce and movement off the pitch. He is known for his mastery of swing bowling, curving the ball through the air with precision, rather than relying on raw pace. His fastest recorded delivery is approximately 138 km/h (86 mph).
Anderson’s success was built on swing and seam movement, not raw pace. His fastest recorded delivery is approximately 138 km/h (86 mph), but his ability to move the ball both ways made him nearly unplayable on helpful pitches.
Career timeline: From debut to 2025
- 2002 – First-class debut for Lancashire.
- 2003 – Test debut for England against Zimbabwe at Lord’s.
- 2010 – Part of the Ashes-winning team in Australia.
- 2015 – Becomes England’s leading Test wicket-taker of all time.
- 2017 – First England bowler to reach 500 Test wickets (8 September 2017).
- 2018 – Takes his 600th Test wicket.
- 2020 – Knighted in the New Year Honours for services to cricket.
- 2024 – Retires from international Test cricket in July; final Test against West Indies at Lord’s.
- 2024 – Publishes autobiography, And So It Goes: My Life in Cricket.
- 2025 – Signs one-year contract with Lancashire for County Championship and T20 Blast.
What is certain and what remains unclear about Anderson’s future?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Anderson retired from international Test cricket in July 2024. | Whether he will play beyond the 2025 season is not confirmed. |
| He signed a one-year contract with Lancashire for the 2025 season. | Future involvement in coaching or media roles has not been announced. |
| He is playing for Lancashire as a senior bowler, not as captain. | No official announcement has been made about his plans after 2025. |
| His autobiography was published in 2024. | Details about a potential second book or media project are not known. |
What is the context of Anderson’s career and legacy?
Jimmy Anderson’s career redefined what was possible for a fast bowler. Known for his mastery of swing and seam, he surpassed Glenn McGrath’s mark of 563 wickets to become the most prolific fast bowler in Test history. His 704 wickets place him third overall behind only Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne, both spinners. His bowling average of 26.46 is among the best for modern fast bowlers who have played more than 100 Tests.
His retirement from Tests after the 2024 series against the West Indies ended a 22-year international career. However, his continued presence in county cricket shows his enduring passion for the game. His autobiography offers insights into the discipline and mental challenges of professional sport, and his legacy as a swing bowler is unmatched. For context, his 704 Test wickets are well ahead of other great fast bowlers like Glenn McGrath (563) and Stuart Broad (604).
Sources and quotes on Anderson’s career
“Jimmy Anderson is the most successful fast bowler in Test history, with 704 wickets.”
— Wikipedia
“He holds the world record for the most wickets by a fast bowler in Test cricket and is the first fast bowler to reach 700 wickets.”
— Britannica
“Anderson’s 704 Test wickets are the most by any fast bowler ever and third overall in international cricket.”
— Cricbuzz
What is the summary of Jimmy Anderson’s career?
Jimmy Anderson is the most decorated fast bowler in Test cricket history, with 704 wickets, a 26.46 average, and unmatched longevity spanning 21 years. He retired from international cricket in 2024, signed with Lancashire for the 2025 season, and serves as England’s bowling mentor. His autobiography was released in 2024, and he remains a legend of English cricket, celebrated for his swing mastery rather than raw speed. For more on other iconic British sports figures, read about Alan Shearer – The Premier League Legend and Pundit.
Frequently asked questions about Jimmy Anderson
How fast did Jimmy Anderson bowl?
Anderson’s fastest recorded delivery is approximately 138 km/h (86 mph). He relied more on swing and precision than raw pace.
How tall is Jimmy Anderson?
He is 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) tall.
Is Jimmy Anderson married?
Yes, he married Polly Anderson in 2011. They have three children.
What is Jimmy Anderson’s book called?
His autobiography is titled And So It Goes: My Life in Cricket, published in 2024.
How many Test wickets did Jimmy Anderson take?
He took 704 Test wickets in 188 matches, the most by any fast bowler in history.
When did Jimmy Anderson play his last Test match?
His last Test match was against the West Indies at Lord’s, concluding on 12 July 2024.
Is Jimmy Anderson still playing cricket in 2025?
Yes, he signed a one-year contract with Lancashire for the 2025 season, playing County Championship and T20 Blast.
What is Jimmy Anderson’s role at Lancashire in 2025?
He is playing as a senior bowler. He is not the county captain. He also serves as England’s fast-bowling mentor.
What is Jimmy Anderson’s fastest ball speed?
His fastest recorded delivery is approximately 138 km/h (86 mph). He relied more on swing and precision than raw pace.
What are Jimmy Anderson’s career statistics?
704 Test wickets at an average of 26.46, 269 ODI wickets, and 18 T20I wickets. He bowled 40,037 balls in Tests, the most by any fast bowler.
Olivia Hartley is Business & Economy Correspondent at DailyCity.co.uk, reporting on the city economy, property, retail, hospitality and employment.