Ashes 2023: James Anderson is the greatest fast bowler to play the game – Ben Stokes

England skipper Ben Stokes has claimed that James Anderson is the greatest fast bowler to play the game. Anderson has scalped 689 wickets, the most for any fast bowler in red-ball cricket, in 182 Test matches at an average of 26.29.

But, the veteran fast bowler hasn’t been at his absolute best in the ongoing Ashes as he has snared four wickets in three Test matches. Anderson has failed to create any impact in the series as he has bowled with a poor average of 76.75.

However, despite his below-par performance, Anderson still found a place in the England’s playing XI in the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia. The 40-year-old, who will turn 41 on Sunday, hasn’t found any swing in the ongoing Ashes and has looked toothless.

“James Anderson is the greatest fast bowler to play the game,” Stokes told reporters ahead of the fifth Ashes Test. “And he’s still looking as good as he was two years ago, although he hasn’t had the impact he would have liked in this series.”

When asked about fast bowlers such as Dale Steyn, Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath, Stokes said, “I only faced Steyn. I didn’t face McGrath, I didn’t face the other guys. I’ve faced a lot of them, been on the field a lot with them and nearly 700 Test wickets, I think is phenomenal to do it and all around the world as well. Everyone’s got an opinion on those kinds of things and in my opinion James Anderson is the greatest bowler to play the game.”

Anderson has bowled without any rhythm in the ongoing series and he will be looking to prove his mettle in the fifth and final Test match. 

On the other hand, England’s other veteran pacer Stuart Broad has been sensational for the home team. Broad is the leading wicket-taker of the series with 18 scalps in the four Test matches and will play his fifth consecutive Test at Kennington Oval.

On Broad, the England skipper said, “It was always going to be hard for one bowler to play every game this series, but he’s been incredible for us. He’s put in some incredible performances throughout Test matches, but he’s also been very good at coming on with the ball and changing the game numerous times, which is something he’s done his whole career.”

The fifth and final Test match will be played at Kennington Oval, London from July 27.