Anderson notches quick's world record

England quick James Anderson broke a 17-year-old fast-bowling record on Tuesday when he sent down his 30,020th delivery.

Midway through the final day of the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, Anderson overtook the previous record of 30,019 held by West Indies great Courtney Walsh, who retired in 2001.

Walsh in his career took 519 wickets at 24.44 while Anderson has 531 dismissals at 27.34.

Anderson is now fourth on the list of players to have bowled the most deliveries in Test cricket with the top three all spinners, headed by Sri Lanka's Muthiah Muralidaran with 44,039 (Anil Kumble is next with 40,850, and Shane Warne follows close behind on 40,705).

Anderson's wickets tally is fifth all time, behind Muralitharan (800), Warne (708), Kumble (619) and Australia pace legend Glenn McGrath (563).

The 35-year-old has played his most Test cricket against Australia, taking 104 wickets in 31 Tests at 34.55, however that average is his worst against any Test nation.

His best numbers are against Pakistan: 54 wickets in 13 matches at 18.50.

The Lancashire product has thrice taken 50-plus wickets in a calendar year, achieving the feat in 2010 (57 in 12 Tests), 2013 (52 in 14) and 2017 (55 in 11).

Anderson finished with eight wickets in the two-Test series against New Zealand, which England lost one-nil after a thrilling draw in Christchurch today.

Despite a 136-Test career that started way back in 2003, the Englishman has shown little interest in retirement.

"I don't really want to think about the future too much," he said during the Ashes in Australia. "I'm loving playing cricket, I'm loving playing with this group of blokes. As long as I'm bowling well and doing myself justice on the field I'm going to keep playing.

"I absolutely love this game. I've been very fortunate to play it for a long time and I'm not planning on stopping anytime soon.

"As I said, if I keep bowling well and keep myself in good shape, hopefully I can carry on for a while."