Sachin Tendulkar ‘best batter’ to bowl to, says England legend James Anderson

James Anderson, retiring after 188 Tests, reflects on his battles with Sachin Tendulkar, a key wicket for England and India.

England fast bowling great James Anderson, who is into his final few days as an international cricketer, enjoyed his battles against Sachin Tendulkar the most over the course of his remarkably long career.

Anderson, who is playing his 188th Test for England against the West Indies at Lord’s, will retire after the game. Even though Anderson dismissed Tendulkar on nine occasions, he could not have a set plan against the Indian master blaster.

“The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar,” Anderson told Sky Sports when asked about the toughest batter he bowled to.

“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.”

“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 said.

Like Tendulkar, who represented India for 24 years, Anderson has set a telling example for fast bowlers, playing Test cricket for 21 years and being the first one to breach the 700 wickets mark, which he achieved earlier this year during India tour.

However, Anderson said both he and Tendulkar enjoyed success against each other.