SA vs Eng: Broad surpasses McGrath to become 2nd-highest wicket-taker amongst pacers in Tests

Sep 12, 2022

SA vs Eng: Broad surpasses McGrath to become 2nd-highest wicket-taker amongst pacers in Tests Image

Veteran England pacer Stuart Broad surpassed Australian great Glenn McGrath to become the second highest wicket-taker amongst pacers in Test cricket history on Day 4 of his team's third Test match against South Africa, here on Wednesday. 

Broad dismissed South Africa skipper Dean Elgar, trapping him lbw for 36 to achieve the milestone. The scalp was Broad's 564th in Test cricket, surpassing McGrath as the pacer with the second-most wickets in Test cricket.

The 36-year-old now trails his partner James Anderson in the wickets column for pacers, who has 666 wickets to his name. Overall, Broad became the fifth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, trailing Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708), James Anderson (666), and Anil Kumble (619).

With the match equally matched, his wicket was significant in the overall scheme of things. South Africa bowled the hosts out for 158 to take a 40-run lead after England first held the visitors to 118 runs with a stellar performance. 

Elgar's removal was important since the captain appeared to be comfortable at the crease with the score on 36 and on track for a strong innings. Ryan Rickleton, who was taken out by Broad after another lbw dismissal, became his 565th victim.