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International Cricketer
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2011
A lot has been written about England's rise as a test team to the summit of the ICC rankings. There is an article on cricinfo about the role that James Anderson has played in the last few years and to be that is the most relevant article I have read on the topic.
James Anderson, through his own personal ups and downs has been there with England, as the team has sometimes flirted with greatness (2004-06) and been pummelled (51 all out).
He may not have always played in those teams but his own sparring with potential super stardom has been off set by moments of sheering mediocrity. Now, as England are on paper and grass, the best test side on the planet, it has been Anderson, who, in my opinion been the catalyst. His artistic swing has now finally been matched by a determination to prove all those who called him "Daisy" wrong.
In the last 42 tests, Anderson has averaged 27 and taken over a 100 wickets. These are not astronomical figures but he has managed to lead a once ailing bowling attack into become, at the moment one of the most feared, if not THE best bowling attack in international cricket. They have not got the pace and fire of Morkel or Steyn but a threesome, with a fourth member waiting in the wings, is as flexible as any in recent memory.
Anderson has upped his game and goes to show, a world class bowler is required to bring life back to a test team which was once mired in mediocrity.
James Anderson, through his own personal ups and downs has been there with England, as the team has sometimes flirted with greatness (2004-06) and been pummelled (51 all out).
He may not have always played in those teams but his own sparring with potential super stardom has been off set by moments of sheering mediocrity. Now, as England are on paper and grass, the best test side on the planet, it has been Anderson, who, in my opinion been the catalyst. His artistic swing has now finally been matched by a determination to prove all those who called him "Daisy" wrong.
In the last 42 tests, Anderson has averaged 27 and taken over a 100 wickets. These are not astronomical figures but he has managed to lead a once ailing bowling attack into become, at the moment one of the most feared, if not THE best bowling attack in international cricket. They have not got the pace and fire of Morkel or Steyn but a threesome, with a fourth member waiting in the wings, is as flexible as any in recent memory.
Anderson has upped his game and goes to show, a world class bowler is required to bring life back to a test team which was once mired in mediocrity.
