Stuart Broad praises ‘bowling addict’ James Anderson ahead of final Test

Stuart Broad has hailed James Anderson as “an addict to the art of bowling” as the veteran fast bowler prepares for his final Test.

Anderson, who turns 42 later this month, takes on the West Indians in a series opener at Lord’s, starting on Wednesday, ending an England career that has so far yielded 700 wickets in 187 Tests, both records among fast bowlers.

Broad, who played in 138 of those matches with Anderson before retiring from Test cricket after last year’s Ashes, said his loyal new-ball partner’s stellar performances were down to his sheer love of bowling.

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“He loves the rhythm of running to the bowl, the control over the technique of his action, the tactical side of bowling the swing, inswing or wobble seam,” Broad wrote in the Sunday Times.

“When you talk about professionals who have been around for a long time, you often talk about their dedication to training, their discipline in the gym and their diet.”

The 38-year-old Broad, who himself took 604 wickets in 167 Tests, added: “And obviously you don’t play to 42 if you haven’t got that, but what sets him apart is his genuine love for the art of what he does.

“Addict is generally used as a negative word, but I would say he is addicted to the art of bowling.”

Anderson’s reputation was built on his talent as an excellent conventional swing bowler, particularly in home conditions. However, Broad said this did not take into account his ability to deploy a reverse swing.

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“He doesn’t get enough credit for his reverse swing, which has been crucial to his great record on the subcontinent,” Broad wrote. “Because his line and length are so impeccable, it’s deadly.

“(South African fast bowler) Dale Steyn was phenomenal and faster than Jimmy, but Jimmy is certainly the best reverse-swing bowler I’ve ever played with and probably the best I’ve ever seen in real life outside of Steyn.

“(His) ability to adapt and learn is the reason he’s been so successful for so long. In professional sports, you have to constantly improve because there’s always a younger bowler trying to get your jersey.

“It is that genuine love for the art of bowling that has made him want to improve and learn new deliveries. That is why he will emerge at Lord’s this week as England’s greatest ever bowler.”