English spearhead, James Anderson, has said that he is ready for a showdown with the South African quick, Dale Steyn, when the two meet during the first Test at the Oval.
The war of words from the South African has definitely heated the atmosphere following the Proteas’ pace bowler’s remarks - ‘I’ll bury Jimmy’ – directed towards the English spearhead. However, Anderson shrugged off the rant and made light work of his claims.
While the duo has admitted to share respect for each other off the field, their rivalry is all set to inflame the proceedings on Thursday, but the home side’s ace bowler maintained that there’s nothing personal about it.
“He’s always very polite and pleasant when I see him off the field and then completely the opposite when I see him on it! I think that’s the way cricket should be played,” the right-arm bowler said.
Nicknamed Jimmy by his teammates, the right-arm bowler is among the leading wicket-takers for his country with 267 Test Wickets in 70 matches. The 29-year-old will lead an impressive English attack, which remain eager to avenge the series loss they suffered at their hands in 2008.
When asked about his comparison with the counterpart the Lancashire player was graceful in calling him a better bowler.
“He is a slightly different bowler to me, probably more aggressive. He's a bit quicker, swings the ball late and is probably a bit more attacking, whereas my role can be a holding job at times. There are plenty of differences,” the English fast bowler said.
Anderson further acknowledged Steyn’s current ranking at the best Test bowler, adding that he has indeed picked up a few things from his counterpart.
“I've watched him many times and tried to pick things up from him. You do that with all bowlers, trying to soak up as much as you can,” Anderson said.
The highly anticipated series is already considered by many as a clash between the world’s two best bowling attacks, and the 29-year-old believes that both teams will fight it out on equal terms as there is very little to choose between them.
