James Anderson is more than just a cricketer. He is a legend. For years, he terrorized batters around the world with his pinpoint accuracy, swing, and relentless discipline.
Widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers in the history of the game, Anderson’s numbers speak volumes. With 704 wickets in Tests, 269 in ODIs, and 18 in T20Is, the former England pacer has an incredible 991 international wickets to his name. Few have come close to matching such consistency and longevity at the highest level.
James Anderson Reveals the Best Batsman He Has Bowled to in International Cricket
During a Q&A session on Sky Sports Cricket, the veteran England pacer was asked a question many cricket fans are always curious about: Who is the best batter you’ve ever bowled to? And his answer was as legendary as the question, Sachin Tendulkar.
Anderson didn’t hesitate in naming the Indian icon as the toughest batter he’s faced in his long career. “The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar,” he stated, showing the ultimate respect for a player who defined an era of cricket.
This statement carries even more weight considering Anderson played against some of the greatest batters of all time—Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, and many more. Yet, it was Tendulkar who left the deepest impression on him.
Anderson faced India in 39 Test matches and picked up 149 wickets, making it one of his most successful rivalries. He managed to dismiss Tendulkar nine times in Test cricket, a feat in itself considering how technically solid and mentally strong the Indian maestro was.
For fans, it’s a beautiful moment when one legend acknowledges another. Anderson, who gave his all every time he stepped on the field, choosing Tendulkar as the best speaks volumes about the respect between two greats of the game.
In the end, it’s not just about stats, but about the impact players leave on each other. And for James Anderson, Sachin Tendulkar was that one batter who truly stood out.