• Dale’s record speaks for itself – Anderson

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    English fast bowler James Anderson has hugely praised Proteas quick Dale Steyn, admitting he used to study the South African’s bowling action to become more successful.

    Anderson and Steyn were speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast on Wednesday where they discussed the dynamics of their stellar careers.

    Both seamers have been revolutionary cricketers for their respective countries over the years with Steyn becoming South Africa’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket in 2018, while Anderson achieved the same feat in his country’s rich history still leading the English pace attack to this day.

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    Together Steyn and Anderson boast a total 1,023 Test wickets between them from nearly 250 matches.

    The Englishman, though, credited Steyn’s brilliant bowling methods, which made him one of the best swing bowlers in this generation.

    ‘Dale’s record speaks for itself – it is absolutely ridiculous. Unbelievable strike rate, unbelievable average,’ Anderson said.

    ‘He has done himself a disservice as he is definitely skilful, can definitely swing the ball. He swung it at 90mph-plus, which was incredibly difficult to face. He was intimidating in more ways than one.

    ‘I knew he was going to attack my stumps but also that there could be a 90mph bouncer coming – and quite often there was. You didn’t know where to look really.’

    The two cricketers often fronted against each other when South Africa and England went into battle, which always made for pretty decent bowling displays.

    ‘I have always seen myself and Dale as very different bowlers. At the back end of my career, when I’ve had most success, I am nowhere near as quick,’ added Anderson.

    ‘But Dale is someone I have definitely watched, particularly with the Kookaburra ball. It has been my nemesis for quite a long period in my career – how do you swing that red Kookaburra as he does?’

    Steyn was also quick to pay tribute to Anderson, saying he is quite a fan of his bowling.

    ‘I watch Jimmy bowl and he is just ridiculous. I could never bowl those big in-swingers and use the crease the way he did,’ Steyn said.

    Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

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