Pace bowlers who reached 1000 First-Class wickets in this century

James Anderson became the fifth pace bowler to reach 1000 First-Class wickets in this century. Overall, he is the 14th player in this century to have achieved this feat. But Anderson is the lone player to have taken 1000 First-Class wickets after making his debut in the 21st century.

This week felt very special. To take my 1000th first class wicket, at the ground where I took my 1st, was a great feeling. I love playing for @lancscricket and to share this moment with the players, staff and supporters meant a lot 🌹 pic.twitter.com/drJttoPbqM

— James Anderson (@jimmy9) July 8, 2021

Here is the list of five pace bowlers who reached 1000 First-Class wickets in the current century

Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

The Pakistan left-arm pace bowler is considered one of the best fast bowlers of his tribe. His incoming delivery into the right-handed batsmen was hard to pick, and he dismissed them LBW far more often than compared to his other dismissals. Akram played 104 Tests for Pakistan, and took 414 wickets, with 25 five-wicket hauls. He also shone with the bat, aggregating 2898 runs with 3 tons with the best score of 257*.

Martin Bicknell (England)

The most under-rated bowler in England during his time, Martin Bicknell played just four Tests in 10 years of international cricket, taking 14 wickets. A lot was due to the emergence of other bowling talents in Darren Gough and Andy Caddick, and hence, Bicknell could not have much of a longer stay in Test cricket. Nevertheless, Bicknell helped Surrey dominate County Championship, and ended with 1061 First-Class wickets in this century.

Andy Caddick (England)

Caddick formed a lethal pace bowling pair with Darren Gough during his England career and ended up with 234 Test wickets in 62 matches. He was not that consistent for England, but for his county, Somerset, Caddick was at his best, taking close to 1000 wickets for them. Overall, he took 1180 First-Class wickets in 275 matches this century.

Devon Malcolm (England)

The England bowler was known for his raw pace and played 40 Tests for England, taking 128 wickets @ 37.09. But with England seeing its stock rise in fast bowling in Tests, Malcolm was resigned to county cricket at home, playing his last game for Leicestershire, and ending up with 1054 wickets in first-class cricket in the 21st century.

James Anderson (England)

Thanks to pace-bowling friendly pitches, England has the fourth pacer in this list in James Anderson. He forms a great opening bowling pair with Stuart Broad, and the two are still going strong. Anderson has so far taken 617 Test wickets in 162 matches and topping the list of fast bowlers with the most Test wickets. Broad is the next best active pace bowler with 523 wickets. 

Anderson is also the only bowler to have taken 1000 First-Class wickets since making his debut in this century, and that speaks a great deal about his longevity, and stamina for pace bowling.

Cover image: James Anderson celebrating his 1000th First-Class wicket.

Cover image courtesy: James Anderson's official Facebook page