Stuart Broad takes 600th Test wicket, second Englishman after James Anderson to reach landmark
England bowler Stuart Broad dismissed Usman Khawaja for his 599th wicket and Travis Head for his 600th in the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford; his first wicket came back in 2007 against Sri Lanka on debut
Thursday 20 July 2023 10:49, UK
Stuart Broad has become the second Englishman to 600 Test wickets after dismissing Travis Head at Emirates Old Trafford.
Broad's early lbw dismissal of Usman Khawaja on day one of the fourth Ashes Test took him to 599 and he then ended a solid innings for Head as he clipped one out to Joe Root at the start of the evening session.
James Anderson, currently on 688 Test wickets, is the only other Englishman to reach 600 in Tests, doing so in the summer of 2020 when he removed Pakistan captain Azhar Ali at The Ageas Bowl.
Spin trio Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka), Shane Warne (Australia) and Anil Kumble (India) are only three bowlers with more Test wickets than England stalwarts Broad and Anderson.
Sir Ian Botham is third on the list of English Test wicket-takers, amassing 383 across his 102 Tests.
Sky Sports' Michael Atherton said of Broad: "What a cricketer, what a competitor. An absolutely fantastic achievement. Only one other seamer in the history of the game has got those 600 wickets.
"No matter what kind of bowler you are, to get to that number of wickets is amazing. To do it as a fast bowler, with all the stresses and strains on your body is quite incredible."
Broad's removal of Head makes him the most prolific England seamer against Australia, overtaking Botham's 148 wickets.
In those 149 wickets against Australia, 17 are accounted for by David Warner whom Broad continues to consistently come out on top against.
The 37-year-old's first Test wicket was back in 2007 as he made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Colombo, dismissing Chaminda Vaas.
Broad after 600th Test wicket: Great to be on 'list of legends'
Broad told Sky Sports Cricket: "It was a special feeling. When I went past Glenn McGrath - my hero growing up - that was really cool. I am not saying I am in that level of bowler but I suppose it's a sign of longevity.
"I love Test cricket, I am addicted to it. I love the grit and competitiveness of it. It feels great to be on a list with legends of the game.
"I never felt like getting my Test cap was the dream. I wanted to make memories in it, win big series and experience a lot.
"That was my mindset. I never felt like playing Test cricket was the achievement. I feel very lucky to have played with some great players in some great teams."
Watch day two of the fourth Ashes Test live on Sky Sports Cricket on Thursday July 20. Build-up from 10.15am, first ball at 11am. You can stream the men's and women's Ashes series on NOW.
