Brian Lara ignores Jasprit Bumrah, picks England star as ‘best fast bowler to ever play the game’

Former West Indies captain and legendary batter Brian Lara has heaped praise on England pacer James Anderson, calling the 41-year-old cricketer the greatest fast bowler ever. The legendary England seamer, who has taken 700 wickets in 187 Tests so far, will call time on his more than two-decade-long international career next week. The first Test of the three-match series between England and the West Indies at Lord’s, which begins on July 10, will be Anderson’s final match as an England cricketer.

Ahead of Anderson’s farewell Test, Lara, one of the greatest batsmen of all time, praised Anderson by calling him the best fast bowler ever and saying that he has the respect of the world.

“He’s the best fast bowler who’s ever played the game. His numbers are unbelievable and he’s served England well. I know that wasn’t in his mind (retiring from cricket) but I think he’s accepted it. If that’s the decision of his captain, coach and selectors then so be it,” Lara told Sky Sports.

“He’s had a great career for England. There aren’t many English cricketers who come close to Anderson (when asked about Anderson’s legacy). He took the most Test wickets as a fast bowler and had a career that lasted over 23 years. I think only Courtney Walsh comes close in terms of the number of years he played, but his legacy will be great and I think as an English cricketer he has the respect of the world,” he added.

Anderson made his Test debut for England against Zimbabwe at Lord’s on 22 May 2003 and took a five-wicket haul in the first innings. He finished the match with figures of 5/73 and 0/65.

The right-arm pacer is the first pacer and third bowler overall to dismiss 700 or more batters in the five-day format of the match. During the first Test between England and West Indies, he will get the chance to break former Australian spinner Shane Warne’s record of 708 wickets and end his career as the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests.