James Anderson: A burly fast bowler

James Anderson (Pic: AFP)

The world of cricket has seen many great fast bowlers who showcased their extraordinary skills with the ball. From swinging the ball to crushing the toes of batsmen with a full-yorker, from Shoaib Akhtar to Brett Lee, many bowlers shone brightly in their careers. Many great pacers kept struggling with injuries throughout their careers like Dale Steyn. Among all these fast bowling legends lives an old yet strong English speedster James Michael Anderson.

James Anderson famously known as Jimmy Anderson is a man who continuously kept showing his dedication towards fast bowling even at the age of 41 years. Being a fast bowler and maintaining the skills at the highest level of the game at this age is not everyone's cup of tea.

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People often criticise fast bowlers for bowling wide and no balls during the match. But few have the knowledge of bowling a single fastball. It takes eight times the fast bowler's body weight to bowl a single delivery. Imagine the amount of pressure on the bowler bowling on an international level and in a much-anticipated game.

England's James Anderson has been serving his country since 22nd May 2003. He is still serving the side in the longest format of the game. With the same pace, same consistency, he proves the importance of fitness in a fast bowler's life.

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He also holds the record for the most number of test matches played in a career after India's legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar (200). So far, the English pacer has featured in 183 test matches.

Anderson has one unique record registered under his name for most wickets on a single ground. That ground is none other than the "Home of Cricket- Lord's." There the veteran has 119 wickets.

From pace and swing to aggression and seam, James Anderson has ticked all the boxes of a completely fast bowler. Setting the example for youngsters, James Anderson is truly a fast bowling idol to look after.

He is a living example of the quote, "Age is just a number."