Anderson Hailed By Cook As 'England's Greatest Cricketer'

London, Sept 11 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2018 ) :James Anderson was hailed as "England's greatest cricketer" by the retiring Alastair Cook on Tuesday shortly after he became the most prolific fast bowler in Test history.

Anderson overtook Australia great Glenn McGrath's tally of 563 wickets when he knocked out Mohammed Shami's middle stump as England bowled out India for 345 to seal a 4-1 series victory at the Oval.

"It's been a privilege to play with, I think, England's greatest cricketer," said man-of-the-match Cook.

"No disrespect to any other guys but his skill to do it time in, time out. You almost take it for granted that he is going to hit a length from ball one to over 90. It shouldn't be like that. It's fitting he knocked out middle stump.

" Anderson, who now has 564 scalps, said he was happy his friend was on the field to witness his record.

The Lancashire swing bowler now just trails the spin trio of Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619) in the all-time list.

"When (Rishabh Pant) and (KL) Rahul put on that partnership it looked like they may get close so my job was to hold an end up," said Anderson, at 36 three years older than Cook.

"I didn't think I'd bowl 14 overs from that end. Thankfully Joe let me take the new ball eventually which gave me a chance to get that wicket.

"He (Cook) is my best mate and he's been brilliant -- there for me all the time."