James Anderson Reflects on His Memorable Battles with Sachin Tendulkar as He Nears Retirement
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/12th July 2024
James Anderson, the illustrious England fast bowler, is approaching the final days of his international cricket career, currently playing his 188th Test against the West Indies at Lord’s. As he prepares to retire, Anderson has highlighted his encounters with Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar as the most memorable of his career.
Reflecting on his career, Anderson revealed to Sky Sports that Tendulkar was the toughest batsman he ever bowled to. Despite dismissing Tendulkar nine times, Anderson never developed a set strategy for bowling to the Indian maestro. “The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar,” Anderson stated. “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.”
Tendulkar’s importance to the Indian team was immense, and Anderson acknowledged the significant impact of dismissing him. “He was a key for India as well. If you get him out in India, the whole atmosphere in the ground changes. He was such a big wicket,” Anderson noted.
Both Anderson and Tendulkar have had exceptionally long and successful careers, with Tendulkar representing India for 24 years and Anderson playing Test cricket for 21 years. Anderson became the first fast bowler to surpass 700 wickets, achieving this milestone earlier this year during a tour in India.
Anderson discussed the mutual successes he and Tendulkar enjoyed against each other. “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,” Anderson explained. He acknowledged that while he had some success against Tendulkar, the Indian legend also scored plenty of runs off his bowling. “I had some success against him, but he had success against me as well. He got runs against us quite a lot.”
Anderson’s record against India is impressive, having claimed 149 wickets in 39 Tests, including six five-wicket hauls. On the other hand, Tendulkar amassed 2,535 runs in 32 Tests against England, averaging 51.73 with seven centuries and 13 fifties.
Apart from his bowling achievements, Anderson cherishes a particular batting accomplishment. He recalled his innings of 81 at Nottingham in July 2014 against India as one of his proudest moments. “I am most proud of getting 81 at Trent Bridge against India. 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,” he shared.
As Anderson prepares to bid farewell to international cricket, his reflections on his battles with Tendulkar highlight the mutual respect and competitive spirit that defined their encounters. Anderson’s illustrious career, marked by remarkable achievements and memorable moments, will be remembered fondly by cricket fans worldwide.
