New Delhi: Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Tuesday said that England bowling spearhead James Anderson is one of the best bowlers he has faced.
Kohli's remarks came after Anderson became the first pacer in the history of Test cricket to scalp 600 wickets. The English pacer is currently the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the longest format of the game. Anderson achieved the feat after he dismissed Pakistan, captain Azhar Ali, on Day 5 of the third Test which ended in a draw at the Ages Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday.
James Anderson and Virat Kohli during a Test match between England and India. Kohli also congratulated the right-handed bowler on his "outstanding achievement".
"Congratulations @jimmy9 for this outstanding achievement of 600 wickets. Definitely one of the best bowlers I've faced," Kohli tweeted.
The 38-year-old is now the fourth-highest wicket-taker of all time in Test cricket behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), Shane Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619). Among fast bowlers, the 38-year-old is followed by Glenn McGrath (563), Courtney Walsh (519) and his long-time new-ball partner Stuart Broad (514).
The England pacer is also just a few matches away from becoming the most capped Test player for England. Currently, former skipper, Alastair Cook is the most capped player for England as he played 161 Tests.
James Anderson's bowling action follow through Anderson, who is fourth highest wicket-taker in the Test cricket, took 156 matches to enter '600 Wickets Club'. In a career span of almost 2 decades, the right-hand pacer clinched 29 five-wicket hauls and three 10 wicket hauls.
On 25th August, on the second delivery of 62nd over in Pakistan's second innings, captain Azhar Ali gave an edge off Anderson and caught at the slip by England captain Joe Root. Azhar Ali, the centurion of 1st innings, has, in the process, become Anderson's 600th Test victim. Anderson was bowling his 15th over. His 599th victim was Abid Ali.
