James Anderson will never be beaten once he surpasses my record, believes Glenn McGrath
Former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath has stated that once current English quick James Anderson surpasses his record for the most number of wickets by a fast bowler in Test cricket history, it will never be beaten. McGrath added that Anderson has a good chance of surpassing Anil Kumble as well.
McGrath, who finished his Test career setting a record for the most number of wickets in Tests (563 wickets) by a fast bowler, was all in praise for the English pacer. The former Australian cricketer felt that it was only a matter of time before Anderson, who has bagged 557 scalps so far, would surpass his record. However, McGrath was not sure about Anderson getting past the 700-wicket mark.
Speaking about his record, McGrath said he has been very proud of it but such records are meant to be broken. He wished Anderson the very best and said he is proud of the 36-year-old. However, McGrath further felt that once Anderson goes past his record, it will never be beaten.
“Records are nice and I’ve been very proud to have taken more wickets than any fast bowler in Test history, but any high is there to be beaten and I will be equally proud of Jimmy (James Anderson) when he goes past me. It is only a matter of time now before he gets there. I have an awful lot of respect for Jimmy. I believe once he goes past me he will never be beaten,” McGrath told Sportsmail.
McGrath further lauded Anderson’s ability to generate swing with control and in terms of conventional swing, he compared the Lancastrian with the legendary Wasim Akram.
“I’ve always said Jimmy was class, ever since I played against him in what became my last Test series in 2006-07. I noted how he swung the ball both ways conventionally because it’s a real art form. Not many have been able to do that. I can only really think of Wasim Akram, who is another great of the game, who could do that as skilfully,” he added.
The former fast bowler also tipped Anderson to reach the 600-wicket mark in Tests and surpass Anil Kumble’s tally of 619 wickets. However, McGrath was not sure of Anderson’s record going past the 700-wicket mark.
“I reckon that once he’s knocked my tally off the next goal will be 600 wickets and that would be an incredible feat. Then you have Anil Kumble on 619 which is feasible but I am not sure how close Jimmy can get to Shane Warne on 708 or Muttiah Muralitharan on 800,” McGrath said.