Stuart Broad joins elite club of bowlers with 100th wicket at Lord’s

London, Aug 19

England's quick Stuart Broad has become only the second player to take 100 Test wickets at Lord's, joining long-time pace-bowling partner James Anderson, who was on the field to welcome him in celebration. On the second day of the opening Test against South Africa, the 36-year-old Broad dismissed Kyle Verreynne with an edge behind to Ben Foakes to become the second player to take 100 Test wickets at the venue.

The Proteas though took a commanding lead in the match, first dismissing the hosts for a paltry 165 in 45 overs before lunch on Day 2 and then notching up 289/7 for a 124-run advantage.

Broad with the record becomes the fourth person to take 100 Test wickets at a single venue, entering an exclusive group with his teammate as well as Sri Lankan pair Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath. Muralitharan has achieved the feat at three venues: Galle, Kandy and the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, according to ICC.

The feat is just another achievement in the sport for Broad, who is approaching Glenn McGrath's fifth spot on the all-time Test wicket-taking list. Broad, with 553 scalps, is 10 away from equalling his Australian rival, and could well pass him by the end of the current series.

In terms of quick bowlers, Anderson (658 scalps so far) would be the only man separating Broad at the top once overtaking the Australian.

Players to take 100 Test wickets at a single venue

Muttiah Muralitharan -- Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo -- 166;

Muttiah Muralitharan -- Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy -- 117;

James Anderson -- Lord's, London -- 117 so far;

Muttiah Muralitharan -- Galle International Stadium, Galle -- 111;

Rangana Herath -- Galle International Stadium, Galle --102;

Stuart Broad -- Lord's, London - 100 so far.

--IANS