Akhtar wished James Anderson on reaching 600 Test wickets, but with a backhanded compliment.
England fast bowler James Anderson became the first fast bowler to reach the 600-wicket milestone in Test cricket. The 38-year-old veteran has played 156 Tests for this achievement, having made his debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe.
The 38-year-old Anderson is now only behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708), and Anil Kumble (619) in terms of most wickets. Not only this, but he is also close to breaking Sir Alastair Cook’s record for most capped England Test player. Cook, who retired from the game in 2018, played 161 Test matches.
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Anderson removed Pakistani captain Azhar Ali on the fifth day of the drawn third Test in Southampton. He received unanimous praise from all over the cricket fraternity around the world. From Sachin Tendulkar to Glenn McGrath, every foe and friend of the England pacer congratulated him on his achievement.
Former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar, on the other hand, took a slight jibe at Anderson while congratulating him. Akhtar known as the fastest bowler of his time, the first to break the 100 mph barrier officially, called Anderson “medium-fast bowler” while lauding him on his amazing achievement.
“Incredible 600 by @jimmy9. What an amazing achievement. Playing 156 Test Matches for a medium-fast bowler is no less achievement. Cheers mate. #JamesAnderson #600TestWickets #England,” Akhtar tweeted.
Unfortunately, Akhtar’s attempt at a backhanded compliment backfired magnificently as loads of cricket lovers called him out for his callousness for using bowling speed as a specifier while wishing James Anderson.
Here are some tweets of fans slamming Akhtar for his folly: