James Anderson and Dale Steyn are two of the most iconic fast bowlers of the modern era, each leaving an indelible mark on Test cricket. Anderson, the wily Englishman, is renowned for his mastery of swing and seam, while Steyn, the fiery South African, is celebrated for his raw pace and aggressive approach.
Both had reached the pinnacle of fast bowling, often compared and debated upon by cricket enthusiasts around the world. This detailed analysis delves into their contrasting styles, areas of expertise, and statistical accomplishments in Test cricket to determine what sets them apart and what makes them legends of the game. Not to forget, both legendary figures have taken international retirement with Anderson being the latest one having played his last match against West Indies in Lord’s.
Bowling styles
James Anderson
Anderson, also known as ‘Jimmy,’ was primarily a swing bowler. His ability to swing the ball both ways, even under the most challenging conditions, was his hallmark. Anderson’s strength lied in his impeccable control and consistency. He often bowled at a pace ranging from 130-140 km/h, relying heavily on late movement to deceive batters. His mastery of reverse swing, particularly with the old ball, had been a significant weapon in his arsenal, which allowed him to remain a potent threat throughout an innings.
Dale Steyn
Steyn, on the other hand, was known for his sheer pace and aggression. Bowling consistently in the high 140s and sometimes touching 150 km/h, Steyn combined speed with precision. His ability to generate sharp movement off the pitch, along with an intimidating short ball, made him a formidable adversary. Steyn’s approach was more aggressive compared to Anderson’s, often targeting the stumps and aiming to rattle batters with his pace and hostility.
Areas of Expertise
Anderson
- Swing bowling: Anderson’s primary strength was his mastery of swing, both conventional and reverse. His ability to move the ball late in the air made him lethal, especially in English conditions.
- Seam movement: Anderson could exploit even the slightest seam movement off the pitch, which made him extremely difficult to face, especially in overcast conditions.
- Control and consistency: Anderson’s relentless accuracy and ability to maintain a consistent line and length had made him a mainstay in the English attack for over a decade.
Steyn
- Raw Pace: Steyn’s speed has been a significant factor in his success, consistently bowling in the high 140s and troubling batters with his pace.
- Aggression: Steyn’s aggressive approach, both in his bowling and demeanor, had often put batters on the back foot, leading to many of his wickets.
- Versatility: Steyn’s ability to bowl effectively in a variety of conditions, from the seaming tracks of South Africa to the flat pitches in the subcontinent, showcased his versatility as a bowler.
Also WATCH: James Anderson drinks a pint of beer in Lord’s balcony after retirement from international cricket
Statistical analysis in Test cricket
Notably, Anderson and Steyn are both extraordinary fast bowlers, each bringing their unique style and strengths to the game. Anderson’s success was built on his mastery of swing, control, and ability to adapt to various conditions, while Steyn, with his raw pace, aggression, and knack for striking fear into the hearts of batters, left an equally profound impact on the game. Let’s have a look at both bowlers’ comparative analysis in Test cricket.
- Wickets and Matches: Anderson played significantly more Test matches than Steyn, giving him a higher total wicket tally. However, Steyn’s strike rate is notably better, indicating that he took his wickets more frequently. Notably, Anderon played 188 Tests, which is second-most in the history of the longest format. He finished his career with 704 wickets, most by any pacer and third highest overall. Similarly, Steyn played 93 red-ball fixtures for the Proteas and bagged 439 wickets.
- Average: Steyn’s bowling average of 22.95 is superior to Anderson’s 26.46, suggesting that the South African maestro was slightly more effective at taking wickets for fewer runs.
- Strike rate: Steyn’s strike rate of 42.39 is significantly better than Anderson’s 56.87, highlighting Steyn’s ability to take wickets at a faster rate.
- Five and Ten-wicket hauls: Steyn boasts more ten-wicket hauls, with 5 compared to Anderson’s 3, but the Englishman leads in five-wicket hauls, having achieved 32 in contrast to Steyn’s 26.
Two legends, two unique legacies
While Steyn’s statistical superiority in terms of average and strike rate underscores his efficiency and potency, Anderson’s longevity and ability to continually adapt and reinvent himself in various conditions highlight his remarkable resilience and skill.
In the end, both bowlers have earned their places in the pantheon of cricketing greats, each embodying different facets of fast bowling excellence. Their careers, though contrasting in style, collectively enrich the rich tapestry of Test cricket’s history.
Also WATCH: James Anderson receives Guard of Honour from England and West Indies players on Day 3 of Lord’s Test
