Anderson emotional after Test milestone

James Anderson struggled to control his emotions as he reflected on the moment he became the world’s most successful pace bowler and saw his great friend Alastair Cook end his international career.

Anderson capped a match of highprofile milestones by overtaking Australia great Glenn Mcgrath when he took the final wicket of the fifth Specsavers Test to bowl India out for 345 and deliver a 118-run and 4-1 series victory.

England’s all-time leading wickettaker is up to fourth on the global list, alone as a seamer on 564 career victims – with only three spinners still above him.

His achievement followed Cook’s fairytale sign-off with a century in his last Test innings the previous day – and as Anderson recalled clean-bowling India tailender Mohammed Shami on the final evening yesterday at the Oval, his fellow national record-holder was in his thoughts.

“He is my best mate, and it’s been brilliant,” the 36-year-old said before his voice began to crack at the post-match presentation. I’m happy that Cooky was on the field to see that wicket.”

Anderson was in danger of finishing his summer merely level with Mcgrath, as KL Rahul (149) and Rishabh Pant (114) shared a sixth-wicket stand of 204 to keep India in with a chance of a world-record chase. But England captain Joe Root persisted with him in a spell that was into its 14th over either side of tea by the time he struck – although only latterly with the second new ball.

Anderson added: “I just got into a really good rhythm ... and thankfully Joe let me take the new ball, eventually.

“It gave me half-a-chance to get that wicket!”

James Anderson, right, and Alastair Cook.