London, Former England pacer Stuart Broad has praised James Anderson, who is retiring from international cricket following the opening Test against the West Indies early Lord's starting July 10, calling him "addicted to the art of bowling" .
Anderson, who has so far taken 700 wickets in 187 Tests, formed a formidable partnership with Broad for over a decade, keeping England a force to be reckoned with in home conditions.
"He loves the rhythm of running to the bowl, the control of the technique of his action, the tactical side of whether he's swinging, inswinging, weaving," Broad wrote in his column for The Times.
“When we talk about professionals who have had longevity, we usually talk about their dedication to training, their discipline in the gym and their diet.
"And of course, you don't play until you're 42 unless you have that, but what makes him different is his genuine love for the art of what he does. Addicted is usually used as a negative word, but I would say addicted to art of bowling," Broad wrote.
Furthermore, Broad said Anderson's ability to sew the ball in conditions around the world, especially in the subcontinent, has not earned enough praise.
The 41-year-old has taken 92 wickets in Asia, the most of any English bowler in Test history.
"He doesn't get enough credit for his reverse swing, which has been crucial to his great record in the subcontinent. His line and length are so immaculate that they make him lethal," Broad added.
"Dale Steyn was phenomenal and faster than Jimmy, but Jimmy is without a doubt the best reverse swing bowler I have ever played with and probably the best I have witnessed in person outside of Steyn."
Broad, who took 604 wickets in 167 Tests, also praised Anderson's adaptability.
"(His) ability to adapt and learn is the reason he's been so successful for so long. In professional sports, you have to continually improve because there's always a younger player trying to get your jersey.
"It's that genuine love for the art of bowling that has made him want to improve and learn new pitches. That's why he will walk out at Lord's this week as England's best bowler," Broad concluded.
Anderson, who has so far taken 700 wickets in 187 Tests, formed a formidable partnership with Broad for over a decade, keeping England a force to be reckoned with in home conditions.
"He loves the rhythm of running to the bowl, the control of the technique of his action, the tactical side of whether he's swinging, inswinging, weaving," Broad wrote in his column for The Times.
“When we talk about professionals who have had longevity, we usually talk about their dedication to training, their discipline in the gym and their diet.
"And of course, you don't play until you're 42 unless you have that, but what makes him different is his genuine love for the art of what he does. Addicted is usually used as a negative word, but I would say addicted to art of bowling," Broad wrote.
Furthermore, Broad said Anderson's ability to sew the ball in conditions around the world, especially in the subcontinent, has not earned enough praise.
The 41-year-old has taken 92 wickets in Asia, the most of any English bowler in Test history.
"He doesn't get enough credit for his reverse swing, which has been crucial to his great record in the subcontinent. His line and length are so immaculate that they make him lethal," Broad added.
"Dale Steyn was phenomenal and faster than Jimmy, but Jimmy is without a doubt the best reverse swing bowler I have ever played with and probably the best I have witnessed in person outside of Steyn."
Broad, who took 604 wickets in 167 Tests, also praised Anderson's adaptability.
"(His) ability to adapt and learn is the reason he's been so successful for so long. In professional sports, you have to continually improve because there's always a younger player trying to get your jersey.
"It's that genuine love for the art of bowling that has made him want to improve and learn new pitches. That's why he will walk out at Lord's this week as England's best bowler," Broad concluded.
