Jos Buttler moves beyond James Anderson to rewrite England cricket history

Photo by Krishan Kariyawasam/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Jos Buttler moves beyond James Anderson to rewrite England cricket history

Originally posted on HITC | By James Shearman | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 11:43 AM ET

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Jos Buttler has reached a moment that few in English cricket could ever have imagined.

Longevity at the international level is rare, particularly across multiple formats and eras.

Yet Buttler has now gone beyond one of the game’s most durable figures to stand alone at the top.

By moving past James Anderson in total England appearances, he has achieved a landmark that reflects years of consistency and adaptability.

It is a milestone that places his name firmly alongside the country’s greatest ever players.

Jos Buttler breaks James Anderson’s England caps record

Buttler became England’s most capped international player after earning his 402nd appearance against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

That figure takes him clear of Anderson, who completed his England career with 401 caps.

The most capped England player… !

402 not out.

Take a bow, Jos Buttler

@IGcom
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 1, 2026

The milestone is made even more remarkable by the breadth of Buttler’s career. His 402 caps are split across 57 Test matches, 199 One Day Internationals, and 146 T20 internationals.

Anderson’s record had long been viewed as the ultimate benchmark for endurance in England colours.

Surpassing it underlines Buttler’s ability to remain central to England plans through changing eras and formats.

The context is further emphasised by those who follow on the list. Joe Root sits third with 384 caps, while former white-ball captain Eoin Morgan finished on 356.

Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images

The defining highlights of Jos Buttler’s England career

While the record is built on appearances, Buttler’s career has also been defined by moments of success.

He played a central role in England’s historic 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup triumph on home soil.

That campaign concluded with one of the most iconic finishes in cricket history. Buttler’s run-out in the final at Lord’s sealed England’s first World Cup title.

He later captained England to further glory at the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. That victory cemented his place as a leader during England’s most successful white-ball era.

Moving beyond Anderson’s record adds another chapter to an already decorated career. It confirms Buttler’s place among the very greatest players to represent England.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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