NEW DELHI:
James Anderson
, who will bid farewell to international cricket after the first Test against the West Indies at Lord's starting on July 10, has been lauded by his former teammate
Stuart Broad
. The retired England
fast bowler
described
Anderson
as an "addict of the art of
bowling
" in recognition of his exceptional skills and dedication to the craft.
Throughout their careers, Anderson and Broad established themselves as a formidable bowling partnership, playing a crucial role in England's success, particularly in home conditions. The duo's ability to consistently perform at the highest level for over a decade has been a testament to their talent and work ethic.
With an impressive tally of 700 wickets from 187 Tests, Anderson's contributions to English cricket have been immense. His
retirement
marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of fast bowlers.
"He loves the rhythm of running into bowl, the control of the technique of his action, the tactical side of whether he's bowling away swing, inswing, wobble seam," Broad wrote in his column for The Times.
"When you talk about professionals who have had longevity, you often talk about their dedication to training, their discipline in the gym and their diet.
"And of course, you don't play to 42 unless you have that, but the thing that makes him different is his genuine love of the art of what he does. Addict is generally used as a negative word, but I'd say he is an addict of the art of bowling," Broad wrote.
Stuart Broad has praised James Anderson's exceptional skill in seaming the ball, particularly in challenging sub-continental conditions. He believes that Anderson's prowess in this area has not received the recognition it deserves.
Anderson, at the age of 41, has achieved a remarkable feat by claiming 92
Test wickets
in Asia, surpassing all other English bowlers in the format's history.
"He doesn't get enough credit for his reverse swing, which has been crucial to his great record in the subcontinent. His line and length are so immaculate and that makes him lethal," Broad added.
"
Dale Steyn
was phenomenal and quicker than Jimmy, but Jimmy is certainly the best reverse-swing bowler I've played with and probably the best I've witnessed in the flesh outside of Steyn."
Broad, who has grabbed 604 wickets from 167 Tests, also lauded Anderson's ability to adapt.
"(His) ability to adapt and learn is why he has been so successful for so long. In professional sports, you have to be continually improving because there is always a younger bowler trying to get your shirt.
"It is that genuine love for the art of bowling that has made him want to improve and learn new deliveries. It's why he will go out at Lord's this week as England's greatest-ever bowler," concluded Broad.
English (US) ·