England veteran James Anderson has become only the third bowler — and the first seamer — to claim 700 Test wickets.

Anderson, 41, reached the milestone in the ongoing fifth and final Test against India in Dharamsala.

He was already the most successful fast bowler in Test history, having begun the match two wickets shy of 700.

Kuldeep Yadav (30) became his 700th dismissal on day three in Dharamsala, when the batter was caught behind by Ben Foakes.

Anderson, playing his 187th Test, held the ball aloft while being mobbed by his teammates.

The travelling Barmy Army fans gave him a standing ovation as Anderson led his team off the field at the innings break at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association stadium.

Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan leads the all-time standings with 800 wickets from 133 Tests, followed by Australia spin great Shane Warne (708).

While Anderson is immensely skilful, his remarkable longevity — attributed to his smooth action as a fast bowler — continues to amaze followers of the game.

"At the foothills of the Himalayas, James Anderson has reached the insurmountable summit for a fast bowler in Test match cricket," former England bowler Steven Finn told the BBC.

"Nobody will ever take more than 700 Test wickets as a fast bowler. He's a remarkable man and player, and he's still going."

Anderson made his Test debut against Zimbabwe at Lord's in 2003.

In Dharamsala, England dismissed India for 477 in its first innings, with Anderson finishing with the figures of 2-60.

The tourists made 218 in their opening knock.

Reuters