Lancashire coach leads tributes to "amazing" Anderson on England hero's 600th Test wicket

He's done it! Jimmy Anderson holds the ball with which he claimed his 600th Test victim

Lancashire coach Glen Chapple was among the first to congratulate Jimmy Anderson on his 600th Test wicket.

The Red Rose star became the first quick bowler in history to reach the milestone when he removed Pakistan captain Azhar Ali on the final evening of the third Test in Southampton.

Anderson was made to wait on 599 - with a saturated outfield keeping the teams off the field until 4.15pm - but had Azhar caught behind by captain Joe Root in his third over.

It means Anderson joins spin greats Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne and Anil Kumble in one of world sport's most exclusive groups.

The Burnley-born 38-year-old celebrated with a combination of joy and relief as Root clung on, having already seen four chances put down off his bowling in this Test.

Speaking after the early finish to Lancashire's rain-wrecked Roses match at Headingley, Chapple said: "I’m not sure there is any context for an achievement like Jimmy’s. It’s ridiculous, really - 600 Test wickets in 18 seasons.

“He’s got an amazing talent, but it’s the work ethic, dedication and discipline he’s shown to stay at the top for so long.

"He constantly strives to get better. He’s come back from injury and he’s never really taken a backward step.

“Obviously he deserves massive credit. But, as a fellow professional and a coach, it’s great to see someone put in that amount of effort. It’s brilliant to watch his skills, his determination, his belief and his competitiveness on the field.

“Everyone at Lancashire is delighted for him. I’m sure his family is immensely proud and he should be as well.

“Over the last 10 years he’s been as good as anyone in the world, especially in England. But his record around the world has been improving as well.

“The standard he got to in his late 20s was fantastic and he’s been able to maintain that.

“His fitness levels now are astonishing. He’s not slowing down and I don’t think he should have been subject to some of the criticism he’s had over the past two weeks.”