Ace England pacer James Anderson has continued to attain glory in his two-decades-long cricketing career. In a recent development, Anderson replaced Australia Captain Pat Cummins to become the world’s No. 1 Test bowler in the latest rankings.
Anderson made his debut for England in 2003 and, till now, has continued to attain glory in different forms of the game. However, his dedication to the game has been commendable and was always been respected by cricket pundits. Now, former India coach Ravi Shastri praised the bowler and his dedication.
Speaking on the latest episode of Cricket review, Shastri recalled how he used to follow Anderson’s work ethic while coaching the Indian Team.
“I used to watch him so closely when I was a coach on tours of England every time. And what I used to admire was his work ethic,” Shastri said.
“Even in Indian conditions, there were times he didn’t play in India. But he would go out to bowl at lunch or straight after the day’s play or before the day’s play. I would say he would bowl 20 balls or 25 balls at the most. But for every ball, he would give it his all. And at times I would tell my fast bowlers, ‘Just watch that. Just watch the professionalism, the work ethic’. And it’s not a half-hearted delivery. Those 15-20 balls, whatever they had to bowl, would be as if he’s bowling in a game.”
“So these are real professionals and a stickler for fitness. You can’t play at 40 and produce these kinds of results unless you are supremely fit. So, hats off. Well done, Jimmy. I would say. He’s a role model. He inspires so many. Leave alone batters playing at the age of 40, but for a fast bowler to play at 40, you just salute it”, Ravi Shastri further asserted.
Anderson becomes the oldest bowler to claim the top spot in the rankings
Anderson grabbed the top spot for the sixth time in his career after finishing with seven wickets in the first Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui. England beat Kiwis in the first Test by 267 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the Test series. However, Anderson is now the world’s oldest pacer to become the top-ranked Test bowler.
Anderson replaced Cummins from the top position who was there from February 2019. Anderson first climbed to the top spot in May 2016 and remained there until Kagiso Rabada of South Africa overtook him in November 2018.
