Analysing the reasons why Dale Steyn is a better Test bowler than James Anderson

After 85 Tests

Only if Steyn was fitter and played more matches...

After taking in to account all the numbers, one can easily say that Dale Steyn is miles ahead of Anderson when it comes to bowling in the Test format. Despite playing fewer matches than the Englishman, the devastation caused by the South African is much more. One can only imagine what Steyn could have achieved had he remained fit and played consistently like his English counterpart.

This is one area where Anderson deserves a lot of credit. The demands of the game and the effort fast bowlers put in definitely take a toll on the body and Anderson has overcome all these things and managed to stay fit for a longer period of time than Steyn. Playing just one format has helped his cause, however, it is still a fantastic achievement by the Lancashire man to remain injury-free throughout his career.

Adding to this, England have played more matches than the Proteas in the last one decade and this helped Anderson race past Steyn on the wicket-takers' list. So, why not compare them after their first 85 Test matches?

With 417 wickets at 22.3, Steyn has outclassed Anderson in this category as well as the latter had managed just 358 wickets at 24.3 after 85 Test matches.

Verdict: Five out of five for Steyn. The South African has pipped Anderson in every single department and is, without a shadow of a doubt, better than the England pacer.