The best batter I faced was Sachin Tendulkar – James Anderson

England’s veteran fast bowler James Anderson tipped former Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar as the best he faced in his career, ignoring the likes of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Rahul Dravid, Brian Lara, and Ricky Ponting.

Meanwhile, Anderson had his wood against Sachin Tendulkar after January  2002. Anderson dismissed Tendulkar on five occasions in 200 balls he bowled against the Master Blaster. 

Anderson played in 39 Tests against India and picked up 149 wickets. Overall, dismissed Tendulkar nine times.

During a Q&A session on Sky Sports Cricket ahead of the start of his farewell Test at the Lord’s, Anderson said, “The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar.”

Anderson said the best bowler he faced was probably either Australia’s Glenn McGrath or 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.

Anderson picked his best score of 81 against India at Trent Bridge as one of the proudest moments of his career.

“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.

Anderson is the most successful fast bowler in the history of the game, taking 700 wickets in 187 Test matches at an average of 26.53. Thus, he will need another nine wickets to surpass late Shane Warne’s tally of 708 wickets. The swing master will play his swansong Test against the West Indies at Lord’s from Wednesday onwards.