Published: Nov 18, 2013, 07:44 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 18, 2013, 07:44 PM (IST)
James Anderson (right) has dismissed Sachin Tendulkar the most number of times in Test cricket © Getty Images
Nov 18, 2013
England pacer James Anderson on Monday said that he will treasure the fact that he was the bowler who dismissed Sachin Tendulkar most number of times in Test cricket.
The England pacer wrote in the Guardian, “Sachin’s wicket was always a huge thing for the team and had such an effect not only on us but on India as well, so getting him out as many times as I have (nine in Tests) is something I will treasure for the rest of my days.”
“It is quite humbling to be the bowler who dismissed him more times in Tests than any other; another reason for me to carry on pinching myself”.
Tendulkar retired from cricket after playing his 200th Test in front of the home crowd at the Wankhede on Saturday at the end of the second Test against the West Indies.
According to Anderson, Tendulkar’s ton against England in 2008 at Chennai was his best memory with the batting maestro.
“Of all my memories of Sachin, the one that sticks out is the hundred he made against us in Chennai at the end of 2008, when we returned to play the series in India after the atrocity in Mumbai.”
The innings was amazing, but it was what happened after it that underlined why he is one of the true greats of the game and one of its true gentlemen. First, he dedicated the innings and India’s win to the people of his home city then he thanked us publicly for being there.”
“It was obviously a big blow to lose that match but his gesture meant a great deal. Sachin realised it was a big call for us to go back to India as, from the outside, there were concerns about safety and security. He understood it would have been easier for us to say No.”
“But he gave us a lot of respect for doing what we did and the feeling was mutual.”
The pacer also said he is amazed at how Tendulkar manages to keep himself motivated for so long and stay grounded despite all the fame and love that he has garnered.
“If I had the chance to ask him one question, it would be how he has kept himself motivated for so long and so grounded and focused. Nobody but him can know what it is like not to be able to take a stroll for fear of being mobbed.”
“I’m pretty sure the answer would be sheer love of the game. He will be missed.”
