Sachin's wicket was the most crucial: Anderson

James Anderson joined Muttiah Muralitharan as the most successful bowler against Sachin Tendulkar as he dismissed 8th time in his career. (FILE PHOTO)

Kolkata - England pacer James Anderson, who has dismissed Sachin Tendulkar eight times in the longer version of the game, on Wednesday called the little master’s wicket as the most crucial in the ongoing third cricket Test against India at the Eden Gardens here.

“His was a crucial wicket, I was delighted. He looked scratchy early on but can be dangerous if he gets going. So I am very pleased. His was the big one. He is such a class player and could have gone on to score a big hundred. We got him just at the right time,” Anderson said after stumps on Day 1.

“It is a nice thing to have and probably (I will) think more about that in years to come and when retired, will tell people that’s happened,” said Anderson on becoming the most successful bowler against Tendulkar.

Anderson now shares the record with Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan. Tendulkar scored 76 before edging one to wicket-keeper Matt Prior.

Anderson ended the day with figures of 3/68.