Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Send-off to dream of for Ali
A TEARY-EYED James Anderson gave his best mate Alastair Cook the perfect leaving present when he sealed a 4-1 series win over India with his own record-breaking wicket.
And it prompted man-ofthe-match Cook to call Anderson “England’s greatest-ever cricketer” after taking his tally to 564 Test wickets, one more than Glenn Mcgrath – a new record for a fast bowler.
“To see Jimmy pass Glenn Mcgrath’s record was brilliant,” said Cook. “It’s been a privilege to play with, I think, England’s greatest cricketer.
“I think he is the best cricketer England have ever produced. He is a freak, an absolute freak – his skill to do it time in, time out.
“You almost take it for granted that he is going to hit a length from ball one to over 90.
“It’s fitting he knocked out middle stump. We’ve lived in each other’s pockets for 12 years and he’s my best mate. Everyone was saying to get my hands ready, we thought the cricketing gods might give us c Cook b Anderson one last time.”
Anderson secured the 118-run win when he bowled Mohammed Shami to spark yet more joyous scenes.
And, after leaving the Kia Oval for the last time, emotions were running high and the normally hardnosed Anderson found it difficult to hold back the tears.
“It will take a while to sink in,” said Anderson. “I’m happy Cookie was there to see that wicket.”
Only three men in history have taken more Test scalps than Anderson – Muttiah Muralitharan
(800), Shane Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619).