James Anderson

James Anderson's trajectory from a raw Burnley fast bowler to England's most prolific Test wicket-taker is a story of relentless craft and a late-flowering mastery of reverse swing. He debuted in 2003, a skiddy, one-dimensional prospect, but over time he learned to shape the ball both ways at will. In partnership with Stuart Broad he became the lynchpin of England's attack, particularly in home conditions, where his accuracy and late movement proved lethal.

Anderson surpassed Ian Botham's England record in 2015, and in 2018 he overtook Glenn McGrath as the most prolific fast bowler in Test history. His longevity was remarkable; he remained England's go-to bowler into his 40s, starring in the 2020-21 wins in Sri Lanka and India. A fixture of four Ashes-winning sides and often unplayable on seaming surfaces, he finished with 704 wickets, third on the all-time Test list behind only the spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. He retired in 2024 after a farewell Test at Lord's, widely regarded as the greatest swing bowler the game has seen, and moved straight into a bowling mentor role with England.