James Anderson, England‘s stalwart fast bowler, will gracefully conclude his illustrious Test career in his 188th match against the West Indies at Lord’s. This match, commencing a three-match series, promises to be a poignant moment as Anderson will try his best to display his mastery with the red ball, showcasing the skills that have defined his career over two decades,
Craft with the red Ball and nemesis of great batters
Throughout his career, Anderson has been a formidable force against some of the greatest batters in the world. His ability to swing and seam the ball with precision and consistency has made him a nemesis for many top-order batters across various conditions and formats. From his debut in 2003 to his final match in 2023, Anderson’s name has become synonymous with skillful bowling and relentless determination.
Top 5 batters James Anderson removes the most in Tests:
1. Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s dependable number three, has fallen prey to Anderson’s bowling 13 times in Test matches. Anderson’s ability to exploit Pujara’s defensive technique has been crucial in their matchups.
Total Dismissals: 13
Matches: Various Test series between 2012 and 2021
Runs Scored Against Anderson: 261
Average Against Anderson: 21.8
Strike Rate: 32.1
Notable Matchups: Anderson has frequently targeted Pujara’s stumps with subtle variations in swing and seam movement, often leading to edges behind the wicket or clean-bowled dismissals.
2. Peter Siddle
Peter Siddle, primarily known for his bowling, surprisingly finds himself at the top two of this list as Anderson has managed to dismiss him 11 times in Test cricket. This frequent dismissal highlights Anderson’s ability to target and outthink lower-order batter.
Total Dismissals: 11
Matches: Various Ashes series between 2009 and 2013
Runs Scored Against Anderson: 75
Average Against Anderson: 6.8
Strike Rate: 48.4
Notable Matchups: Anderson has consistently bowled tight lines and induced edges to the slips or dislodged the stumps, exploiting Siddle’s defensive approach.
3. David Warner
David Warner, the dynamic Australian opener, has been dismissed by Anderson 10 times in Test cricket. Anderson’s ability to swing the ball both ways has troubled Warner on numerous occasions.
Total Dismissals: 10
Matches: Various Ashes series between 2013 and 2023
Runs Scored Against Anderson: 366
Average Against Anderson: 36.6
Strike Rate: 49.8
Notable Matchups: Anderson has often targeted Warner’s pads with inswingers and induced edges with outswingers, exploiting Warner’s aggressiveness early in his innings.
Also READ: England pacer James Anderson reveals the best batter he has ever faced
4. Sachin Tendulkar, Kane Williamson, Azhar Ali, Michael Clarke
Sachin Tendulkar, Kane Williamson, Azhar Ali and Michael Clarke have all been dismissed by Anderson 9 times each in Test cricket. Anderson’s consistent line and length coupled with his ability to move the ball both ways have troubled these top-order batters.
Sachin Tendulkar
Total Dismissals: 9 times
Matches: Various Test series from 2006 to 2012
Runs Scored Against Anderson: 208
Average Against Anderson: 23.1
Strike Rate: 59.4
Notable Matchups: Anderson has had notable success against Tendulkar by using his ability to swing the ball both ways. He has often induced edges to the slip cordon or trapped Tendulkar LBW with deliveries that swing back into him or hold their line, exploiting Tendulkar’s technique against late movement and seam.
Kane Williamson
Total Dismissals: 9 times
Matches: Various Test series from 2013 to 2023
Runs Scored Against Anderson: 166
Average Against Anderson: 18.4
Strike Rate: 37.2
Notable Matchups: Anderson has often troubled Williamson with deliveries that move away or nip back into him. He has frequently induced edges to the slip cordon by exploiting Williamson’s tendency to play close to his body, especially early in his innings.
Azhar Ali
Total Dismissals: 9 times
Matches: Various Test series from 2010 to 2022
Runs Scored Against Anderson: 202
Average Against Anderson: 22.4
Strike Rate: 34.7
Notable Matchups: Anderson has frequently dismissed Azhar by exploiting his weakness outside the off-stump. He has induced edges to the slips by maintaining a consistent off-stump line and tempting Azhar into playing away from his body, especially in conditions conducive to swing bowling.
Michael Clarke
Total Dismissals: 9 times
Matches: Various Test series from 2006 to 2015
Runs Scored Against Anderson: 297
Average Against Anderson: 33.0
Strike Rate: 58.2
Notable Matchups: Anderson has troubled Clarke with his ability to move the ball both ways. He has often caught Clarke fishing outside the off-stump or trapped him LBW by angling the ball into his pads after setting him up with outswingers, exploiting Clarke’s technique against swing and seam movement.
5. Steve Smith
Steve Smith, Australia’s prolific batter, has been dismissed by Anderson 8 times in Test matches. Anderson’s astute ability to exploit Smith’s technical vulnerabilities has been pivotal in their confrontations.
Total Dismissals: 9 times
Matches: Various Test series from 2010 to 2023
Runs Scored Against Anderson: 479
Average Against Anderson: 59.9
Strike Rate: 8
Notable Matchups: Anderson has troubled Smith with his ability to swing the ball both ways. He has often caught Smith LBW or bowled him through the gate by bringing the ball back sharply after shaping it away, exploiting Smith’s technique against late movement.
Also READ: James Anderson reveals his favourite Test match for England
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