'That too without drugs': Fans Slam Shoaib Akhtar After He Calls James Anderson Medium Fast-Bowler
Published - 27 Aug 2020, 11:43 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:33 AM
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Former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been slammed by fans after he used the term ‘medium fast-bowler’ while congratulating James Anderson on his 600 Test wickets.
A couple of years after breaking Glenn McGrath’s record to become the most prolific pacer in Test history, Anderson entered the 600 club on Tuesday on the fifth day of the third Test against Pakistan. The right-arm pacer dismissed Pakistan captain Azhar Ali to achieve the incredible feat.
Overall, Anderson became the fourth bowler to breach the 600-wicket mark in Tests. Before him, only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800 Test wickets), Shane Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619) had managed to take 600 or more wickets in the longest format of the game.
Fans slam Shoaib Akhtar:
Soon after Anderson entered the 600 club, tributes poured in from all the quarters. From present and former cricketers to fans, almost everyone from the cricketing fraternity congratulated the England legend on the remarkable achievement. Shoaib Akhtar, who is highly active on social media, also took to Twitter to congratulate the veteran, writing:
“Incredible 600 by @jimmy9. What an amazing achievement. Playing 156 Test matches for a medium fast bowler is no less achievement. Cheers mate.”
Incredible 600 by @<!---->j<!---->i<!---->m<!---->m<!---->y<!---->9 . What an amazing achievement. Playing 156 Test Matches for a medium fast bowler is no less achievement. Cheers mate. #<!---->J<!---->a<!---->m<!---->e<!---->s<!---->A<!---->n<!---->d<!---->e<!---->r<!---->s<!---->o<!---->n #<!---->6<!---->0<!---->0<!---->T<!---->e<!---->s<!---->t<!---->W<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t<!---->s #<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g<!---->l<!---->a<!---->n<!---->d p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->d<!---->V<!---->F<!---->M<!---->q<!---->P<!---->v<!---->u<!---->w<!---->A
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0
However, his comment did not impress many fans as they questioned the usage of the term medium fast bowler in the tweet. And it did not take the fans long to criticise the outspoken former Pakistan pacer.
Here are some of the reactions:
medium fast bowler ? come out of speedometer look at the other achievements and capabilities
— Abdul Wahab (@FEETBALLER) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0
https://twitter.com/chirag30015/status/1298294065834860544
LOL! Throwing shade even when complimenting. Aap ka koi ilaj nahin hai boss! Cheers mate.
— Saud (@CDeeKey) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0
That too without drugs, seriously impressive.
— Akshay Sharma (@hankyy_pankyy) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0
Sirf 160 par ball dalne ko bowling ni bolte dost? in simple words 1st pace bowler to achieve this milestone. Some lesson for us in Subcontinent , Digest the fact.
— Manas (@Manasokay) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0
Some grace here please. Correction – Fast bowler and not medium fast.
— Srivatsa (@Vatsa017) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0
Phainta laga diya na "medium fast" bolke?
— Anshuman Sharma (@busby_babe007) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0
I saw his pace clicking 86MPH in this season … Not a medium pace for sure… Shameless tweet this.. Accept some grace atleast..
— Bilal Omer (@mrbilalomer) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0
Meanwhile, James Anderson has ruled out the possibility of retiring from the game any time soon and has said he would like to take 700 wickets.
“Why not?” said the fast bowler when asked about pushing up towards 700 Test wickets. “I feel like I still have a lot to offer this team and as long as I feel like that I will keep on going.
Apart from entering the 700 club, James Anderson is also eyeing another Ashes tour to Australia in 2021-22 after saying he still “absolutely loves” playing Test cricket:
“Rooty said he would like me to be in Australia. I don’t see any reason why I can’t be,” he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“I absolutely love [playing Test cricket],” he said. “There is no better feeling than putting the boots on, going out there and doing what I love doing.”
