In a momentous moment for English cricket, James Anderson, England’s leading wicket-taker, made headlines yet again by scripting history on Day 3 of the first Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Anderson’s scintillating delivery dismissed Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, breaking a frustrating 118-run partnership for the Three Lions.
It all happened during the 99th over of Australia’s first innings. Carey had just smashed back-to-back boundaries, causing frustration for Anderson, who had remained wicketless on Day 2. However, the veteran England pacer made a remarkable comeback in the same over with a sensational wobble-seam ball.
Employing an angle from round the wicket, Anderson deceived Carey, who anticipated the ball to pitch and straighten. Opting for a check drive, Carey left a gap between his bat and pad, enabling the ball to jag back, breach his defense, and crash into the stumps. The 31-year-old departed after a well-constructed innings, having scored an impressive 66 runs off 99 balls.
Amidst the jubilation that followed, Anderson’s exultation was understandable, given his earlier expensive spells. This wicket was particularly significant as it marked his 1100th scalp in first-class cricket, solidifying his status as England’s premier wicket-taker.
Here is the video:
Jimmy Anderson. GOAT. 🐐
The King of Swing gets First Class wicket number 1️⃣1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣! 🤯
Alex Carey departs for 66.#EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/5oVD7jfKij
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 18, 2023
Following the dismissal of Carey, England faced a spirited partnership as Pat Cummins settled into his stride, providing resistance to the English bowlers. However, England’s astute tactics to curtail the scoring opportunities gradually paid off when Usman Khawaja, after a commendable innings of 141 runs, succumbed to a false shot induced by the relentless pressure imposed by the English bowlers.
Khawaja’s wicket proved to be the turning point that opened the floodgates for England’s bowling attack. Subsequently, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson capitalized on the breakthrough and wreaked havoc on the Australian lower order, dismantling their resistance and restricting the touring party to a total of 386 runs.