Cook hails amazing bowler Anderson

England captain Alastair Cook paid tribute to James Anderson on Thursday as the Lancashire swing bowler closed in on a national record.

Anderson needs just eight more wicket to surpass Ian Botham’s England Test record of 383 in 102 Tests and could overtake the all-rounder in the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval starting on Friday.

“It’s an amazing achievement,” Cook told reporters at The Oval.

“If he does it in this game, I think it’ll mean England are in a very strong position,” added Cook, whose side have come from 1-0 down to lead the series 2-1.

Opening batsman Cook, recalling how Anderson climbed off his sick bed to star in England’s innings and 54 run win over India in last week’s fourth Test at Old Trafford, said: “He’s the most skilful bowler in the world. And I think that’s a pretty good attribute as a bowler.

“You saw his guts and determination last week, when he was bowling when he wasn’t very well. That was extraordinary. That pretty much tells me, tells everyone, what a bloke he is and to back it up with his talent and skill means he is a very good bowler.”

Cook said Anderson was rivalled only by South Africa’s Dale Steyn among current Test pacemen.

Anderson has taken 376 wickets in 98 Tests at an average of 29.86 but Steyn has 383 in 75 matches at 22.56.

“No disrespect to Dale Steyn but the way Jimmy can swing the ball both ways, I don’t think Dale can do that quite as well but Dale has the added advantage of being able to bowl quicker,” said Cook.

Meanwhile India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said of Anderson: “He is very consistent with his line and length and that is something I would like our bowlers to learn from him.”

Anderson has taken 19 wickets at 22.94 this series at and Dhoni said: “He also got a fantastic attitude on the field. He is really someone who can take wickets at any point of the game, and that really gives the edge to England.”

If Anderson, who has never taken five wickets in an Oval Test innings, doesn’t break Botham’s record in what is set to be his 99th Test, he will have to wait almost nine months until England’s next Test in the West Indies in April.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!