James Anderson is the "most skilful bowler in the world" - Captain Cook compares England pace leader with Dale Steyn

James Anderson has been hailed as “the most skilful bowler in the world” by Alastair Cook

Ahead of the start of the 5^th and final Test against India at Kia Oval, England skipper Alastair Cook has hailed the leader of his bowling attack, James Anderson, as the “most skilful bowler in the world”, and the “best bowler England have ever produced”.

Having increased his tally to 376, Anderson is 7 scalps short of breaking Ian Botham’s record of 383 wickets to become England’s leading wicket-taker in Test cricket. With 255 wickets in ODIs, he’s already England’s leader in the shorter format.

“He is the most skilful bowler in the world. There have been some very good bowlers I've played with but, for pure out-and-out skill, there is no doubt. He is the best bowler England have ever produced,” Cook said.

Comparing Jimmy with world no. 1 Dale Steyn, Cook argued that Anderson’s ability to swing the ball both ways surpasses that of Steyn’s and what the Englishman lacks in pace, he makes up with his skill.

“No disrespect to Dale Steyn, but the way Jimmy can swing the ball both ways - I don't think Dale can do that quite as well as Jimmy but Dale has the advantage of being able to bowl quicker. Dale has been the No. 1 bowler in the world for quite a long time in terms of the number of wickets he takes. He always picks up wickets. And those two are in the same class.

“Anderson will soon be the leading wicket taker in Test matches for England. That is quite a glowing reference. It's an amazing achievement. If he does it in this game, it will mean England are in a very strong position,” he added.

In the last Test at Manchester, with Stuart Broad off the pitch due to a broken nose, Anderson took 2 wickets in 2^nd innings to help his team to an innings win despite being unwell. With 21 wickets in the ongoing series, he’s the highest wicket-taker from both sides. His captain praised his ability to give his all despite facing the odds.

“You saw his guts and determination last week at Manchester when he was bowling when he wasn't very well. That was extraordinary. That pretty much tells me, tells everyone, what a bloke he is and to back it up with his talent and skill means he is a very fine bowler,” Cook said.

Stuart Broad to play at Oval

Cook cleared doubts over Broad’s availability for the final Test

Alastair Cook also confirmed that Broad will be playing in the final Test, clearing the doubts over his availability. The fast bowler was hit on his nose by a Varun Aaron bouncer which sneaked between the grille and the peak of his helmet to smash into his face. He suffered a broken nose, but was seen bowling in the nets earlier.

"We think he's going to be absolutely fine. You don't get a partnership like he and Jimmy Anderson have had without being a world-class bowler. They've taken over 500 wickets together. Any captain would want those two in the team if possible, so it's great news for us as a team that Broady has come through that blow,” Cook said.