In a rather poignant moment at Lord’s on Thursday, July 11, the retiring English bowler James Anderson took some time to reflect on his illustrious career and to name the one batter who has given him the most trouble over the years. The 41-year-old right-arm pacer, who has played in 188 Test matches, second only to Sachin Tendulkar, declared the iconic Indian cricketer as the most challenging batter he has ever bowled to. This revelation came as he prepared for what would be his final Test match on the historic grounds of Lord’s.
Anderson made his debut back in 2003 and over the years has shared many a fierce battle with Sachin Tendulkar, a rivalry that cricket fans around the world have revered. Tendulkar, affectionately known as the ‘Master Blaster’, is lauded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport. Anderson did not shy away from expressing the importance and significance of getting Tendulkar’s wicket throughout his career.
Reflecting on his numerous encounters with the Indian legend, Anderson noted that he had dismissed Tendulkar nine times in Test matches, which is no small feat considering the Indian maestro’s prowess. Despite Tendulkar amassing 208 runs in 23 innings against Anderson, the Englishman maintained his unprecedented dominance as a bowler. Tendulkar’s overall record against England stands testament to his skill, having scored 2,535 runs in 32 Test matches with an impressive batting average of 51.73, including seven centuries.
Discussing the weight of dismissing Tendulkar, especially in front of a fervent Indian crowd, Anderson recalled how the atmosphere in the stadium would change dramatically. “The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar,” Anderson told Sky Sports while on the sidelines at Lord’s. “I don’t remember having a specific game plan against Sachin Tendulkar. Once he came on, I would just think that I cannot bowl a bad ball here; he was that kind of player. He was key for India as well.”
Anderson elaborated on the impact of Tendulkar’s wicket.
. “If you get him out in India, the whole atmosphere in the ground changes. He was such a big wicket. You just try on bowling your best ball, top of off-stump, the whole time and hope he misses a straight one. In England, he might nick the odd one, but generally, I’d try and get him out LBW early. I had some success against him, but he had success against me as well. He got runs against us quite a lot,” said Anderson, reflecting on the mutual respect and competitive spirit they shared.
Apart from discussing his most formidable opponent, Anderson also took a trip down memory lane to recount the highlight of his batting career. Despite being celebrated for his bowling prowess, Anderson proudly recounted his famous fifty against India at Trent Bridge in 2014. “I am most proud of getting 81 at Trent Bridge against India,” he mentioned. “I probably should pick a wicket or bowling performance, but getting 81 with the bat, it is just something I still can’t believe I have done.”
The announcement of Anderson’s retirement marks the end of an era for England cricket. Known for his incredible swing bowling and his unyielding spirit, Anderson has often led England’s attack and has been instrumental in many of the team’s victories over almost two decades. His formidable record against one of cricket’s greatest batsmen, Tendulkar, highlights his talent and resilience as a bowler.
As Anderson prepares to bowl his last over, the cricketing world reflects on the numerous memorable encounters between him and Tendulkar, a rivalry that has defined a generation of cricket. The legacy of these two greats will undoubtedly inspire future cricketers, and their duels will remain etched in the annals of cricket history. Though Anderson may be taking a bow, his contributions to the sport, and his battles with the ‘Little Master’, will resonate for years to come.
