The three-match Test series between England and West Indies is all set to start, with the first game scheduled to be played at Lord’s. This match will be a historic one, not because of any stat or record, but because the legendary English pacer James Anderson will be playing his last international match. The veteran pacer made his debut for England in 2002, and after 22 years of superb cricket, he is set to retire.
This will be a landmark test for him as well, as he is just 9 wickets short of becoming the leading wicket-taker in the longest format. James Anderson has played 187 Test matches in his career and taken a total of 700 wickets with 32 five-wicket hauls. He is currently on third place in the all-time wicket-taking list in tests and overall in international cricket.
James Anderson reveals the toughest Batsman he has faced in his career
Anderson has achieved a lot in his career and has bowled for many legendary batters. From Sachin Tendulkar to Shubman Gill, from Inzamam ul Haq to Babar Azam, and from Steve Waugh to Steve Smith, he has faced many incredible batters of different generations.
The veteran pacer has enjoyed battles with players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson in the current generation as well. But when he asked about the most difficult batter to face, James Anderson came up with a brilliant reply.
Ahead of the first ENG vs WI test, in a Q&A session, he was asked about the difficult batter to face. He picked the legendary Indian batter, Sachin Tendulkar. Anderson said, “The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar.” Notably, the pacer has taken 149 wickets against India in 39 Tests and dismissed Sachin a total of nine times in red-ball cricket.
Meanwhile, he was also asked about the best bowler he faced in his career. James Anderson did not pick one; he picked up two bowlers. He picked Dale Steyn and Glenn McGrath as the two toughest bowlers. He said, “The best bowler I faced probably Glenn McGrath or Dale Steyn. Hard to pick between the two. Slightly different bowlers, but both world-class.”
