A look at James Anderson’s record and where he stands among England greats

James Anderson has become England’s most-capped Test player after being named in the team for his 162nd appearance against New Zealand.

Some 18 years and 616 wickets after making his debut against Zimbabwe, the fast bowler replaces Sir Alastair Cook at the top of the list by playing in the second Test at Edgbaston.

With the Lancastrian’s form more impressive than ever even as he approaches the age of 39, the PA news agency takes a look at England’s most capped players.

James Anderson (162 caps)

England’s record wicket-taker with 616 – the most by any Test seamer worldwide – Anderson has been a near-constant presence with the new ball since 2003 and his 30 five-wicket innings marks another national record.

Sir Alastair Cook (161)

Stuart Broad (148)

Alec Stewart (133)

Averaged almost 40 with the bat despite the competing demands of opening, keeping wicket and captaining the side at various overlapping points in his career.

Graham Gooch and Ian Bell (118)

Cook’s mentor Gooch previously held the record as England’s leading run-scorer, and remains second with Root closing fast. Bell matched his cap tally and played in five Ashes-winning sides on his way to nearly 8,000 elegant runs at 42.69.

Anderson’s record

He also has 64 at Trent Bridge, a ground where he averages under 20 and which will host the first Test of the late-summer series against India. At Edgbaston, he has 44 wickets at 22.02 in 11 Tests.

Beyond Cook, only six other Test cricketers have more caps than Anderson. Sachin Tendulkar’s 200 for India will be out of reach but former Australia captains Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting share second place on 168, surely within range for Anderson. Jacques Kallis played 166 Tests, with 164 apiece for Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Rahul Dravid.