Veteran England pacer James Anderson, who is set to feature in his final Test against the West Indies at Lord’s from Wednesday (July 10), overlooked modern-day greats such as Virat Kohli and Steve Smith while picking the best batter he has faced in his career.
Anderson is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in Test history with 700 scalps to his name from 187 matches. He has a chance to go past Shane Warne’s tally of 708 wickets in his farewell Test.
According to the 41-year-old pacer, Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar is the best batter he has come up against in his illustrious career.
“The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar," Anderson said During a Q&A session on Sky Sports Cricket.
Anderson has played 39 Tests against India, claiming a total of 149 wickets. He got rid of Tendulkar nine times.
When asked about the best bowler he ever faced, Anderson mentioned the names of Australia’s Glenn McGrath and South Africa’s Dale Steyn.
“The best bowler I faced probably Glenn McGrath or Dale Steyn. Hard to pick between the two. Slightly different bowlers, but both world-class," he said.
England’s all-time leading wicket-taker for England in Tests picked former Australian skipper Michael Clarke’s dismissal in the 2013 Trent Bridge Test as his best wicket, and 81-run knock against India at the same venue is the career achievement he is most proud of.
“Career achievement I am most proud of his getting 81 at Trent Bridge against India. I know, I probably should pick a wicket or bowling performance, but getting 81 with the bat, I think, it is just something I still can’t believe I have done," Anderson said.
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