New Delhi: English pacer Stuart Board scripted his name in the history book by claiming 600 wickets on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test at the Old Trafford on July 19 (Wednesday).

Board gets Head to achieve this huge milestone

The 37-year-old pacer reached the milestone as he removed Australia’s Travis Head, who was caught on 48 while hooking by Joe Root. With this wicket, Board joined the elite list of top five bowlers who have achieved the remarkable feet of 600 wickets in Test cricket.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 moment.#EnglandCricket | #Ashes https://t.co/lz2j0t9LN5 pic.twitter.com/9RxHutgLDC

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 19, 2023

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Elite 600 clubs bowlers

This esteemed group includes former Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Australia’s legend Shane Warne (708), England’s pacer James Anderson (688), and India’s red ball specialist Anil Kumble (619).

England’s pace partners James Anderson and Stuart Board is the only active bowlers in this list and fastest to achieve this feat.

Ben Stokes decides to field first

After English captain Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to field first at the Old Trafford against the Australia, Board gave the host first breakthrough as he picked up Usman Khawaja’s wickets, the left-hand batter returned to the pavilion after scoring just 3-runs to leave Australia for 15-1.

Board, then waited until his 11th over for the landmark wicket, when left-hander head hooked the bouncer and Joe Root completed the low catch at the fine leg.

Board’s Test career

Board’s illustrious stared from 2007 when he made his debut against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Since then, Board has been driving force in the England’s squad. He has represented his country in mesmerizing 166 Test matches.

Board on playing against Aussies

“I think so,” Broad said on Sky Cricket when asked if Australia bring the best out of him. “I find them the most enjoyable series to play in.”

“I love the extra pressure, scrutiny and how much the public love it in England and Australia. I have been able to forge great battles and it has been a pleasure to play against those guys,” he added.

“Aussies are very competitive people and I think that brings the best out of me. I love that eye-to-eye battle [with the opposition] and the Aussies bring that the most out of all teams. I thrive off that,” he asserted.