Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar is looking forward to seeing James Anderson return for the historic three-match Test series, which begins on Thursday.
Akhtar said that Anderson in the 2003 World Cup overshadowed his record delivery.
Shoaib Akhtar on James Anderson
One of the most anticipated Test series between Pakistan and England will begin on December 1 in Rawalpindi. Prior to that, Shoaib Akhtar, a former Pakistani bowler, recounted a 2003 incident involving seasoned seamer James Anderson that stole the attention from Akhtar.
At the age of 40, Anderson is still playing Test cricket and is the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in Tests. In contrast, Akhtar holds the record for the fastest delivery in international cricket, which he bowled against England in 2003 with a 161.3 kph delivery.
When Pakistan limited England to 246 in the same match, it appeared to be a simple victory for the Men in Green. However, Anderson bowled a magnificent spell of 4 for 29 and enabled England to win by 112 runs.
In a sarcastic manner, Akhtar said that Anderson’s spell destroyed his delight from making the record. The 40-year-old England seamer’s arrival in Pakistan after all these years excites Akhtar.
“Mr Anderson, you played against me in 2003 and spoiled my day! When I broke the record, you annihilated us in that game … ruined my happiness! He’s a brilliant guy and it will be fantastic to see him bowl in Pakistan again. It’s been nearly 18 years since he was here and now he’s back again and his bowling looks as virile as ever,” Akthar said.
Further lamenting how injuries destroyed his career, Akthar expressed his hope that someone would one day surpass his illustrious record.
“Every time I turn on the TV, I say: ‘Is there anyone out there who can step up? Please take this record away from me,’ I’ll be the first to fly out and shake them by the hand. Had I been the fittest guy, I would’ve been the greatest ever,” he added.
