Jasprit Bumrah snubbed as Brian Lara names the 'greatest fast bowler that ever played the game'

Legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara has praised veteran England pacer James Anderson ahead of his farewell Test match at Lord's in London next week. Brian Lara described James Anderson as the greatest fast bowler to ever play the game while highlighting his achievements with the ball for England.

James Anderson has taken 700 wickets in 187 Tests at an average of 26.53. The right-arm pacer will retire from international cricket after the first Test against the West Indies on July 10. It is worth mentioning that Anderson is the leading wicket-taker among pacers in the longer format of international cricket.

The 41-year-old pacer is set to be part of the Test team in the English summer despite his retirement. Rob Key, managing director of England’s men’s cricket, confirmed that Anderson will serve as a mentor for the remaining two Tests against the West Indies and the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka.

James Anderson's Numbers Are Incredible - Brian Lara

Brian Lara expressed admiration for James Anderson for his outstanding performance throughout his career. Lara highlighted Anderson's retirement in a positive light, despite it not being initially planned.

"He's the greatest fast bowler that ever played the game. His numbers are incredible. And he's served England well. I know for a fact that he didn't have that in mind. But I think he's accepted it quite well. And if that's the choice of the captain, the coach, or the selectors, then so be it. He's had a tremendous career. I don't think that he's going to feel slighted by it at all. He's just a tremendous performer. And what can I say? The best in the world," Lara told Sky Sports.

"He's the greatest fast bowler that ever played the game"

Brian Lara praises Jimmy Anderson ahead of his final Test match for England 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Po8agk0Y0C

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 2, 2024

James Anderson Has The Respect Of The World - Brian Lara

Brian Lara praised James Anderson for his remarkable career, stating that not many England cricketers can come close to Anderson's legacy. The former West Indies skipper emphasized that Anderson's legacy is going to be tremendous, adding that he has the respect of the world.

"There are not many England cricketers who come close to Anderson (when asked about Anderson's legacy). He has taken the most Test wickets as a fast bowler and had a career that lasted for over 23 years. I think only Courtney Walsh comes close to him in terms of the number of years he has played but his legacy is going to be tremendous and I think as an English cricketer, he has the respect of the world,” Lara added.

Ahead of his final Test for England, James Anderson showcased exceptional form by bowling a magnificent spell for Lancashire against Nottinghamshire in the county championship. The 41-year-old veteran took 7 wickets for 35 runs in 16 overs, adding to his impressive First-Class career tally of 1121 wickets.

Anderson made his Test debut for England against Zimbabwe at Lord’s on May 22, 2003. He impressed with a five-wicket haul in the first innings with figures of 5/73. Anderson needs just nine wickets to surpass Shane Warne's record of 708 Test wickets and become the second-highest wicketer in Test cricket history.

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