Indian batting legend VVS Laxman has heaped praise on England’s experienced fast-bowler James Anderson, who bowled one of the great spells in Test history to inspire the tourists to a famous 227-run victory against India in the first Test on Tuesday (February 9) in Chennai.
Anderson, who came to India with 606 wickets, has yet again proved why he is considered a master of reverse swing, as the veteran speedster rocked the backbone of India's batting line-up with a five-over burst of three wickets for six runs on Day 5 at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.
The 38-year-old took just four balls to reduce India to 92/4 from 92/2 while India was chasing a target of 420 runs to win the first Test of the ongoing four-match Test series against England.
He later dismissed dangerous Rishabh Pant to return with one of the most compelling spells 3/17 in recent history.
After the English speedster dismissed Shubman Gill, Ajinkya Rahane, and Pant with one of the best possible deliveries while making the brilliant use of reverse swing on Tuesday, Laxman hailed Anderson as one of the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) for his efforts in Chennai.
He wrote on Twitter: “Take a bow @jimmy9. GOAT. Period!! #INDvENG”
Noteworthy, with his three scalps on Day 5, Anderson has the most Test wickets 343* after 30 as well as went past Stuart Broad’s record (79) to become the highest wicket-taker for England in their fourth innings with 81 wickets.
Now, Anderson, who has now 611 Test wickets to his name so far, needs only eight wickets to go past Indian spin legend Anil Kumble to become the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.
Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708) have the most wickets in the format.
(With ANI Inputs)
