James Anderson: Sachin Tendulkar Was My Toughest Opponent

England's legendary fast bowler James Anderson, who is on the cusp of retirement, has revealed that his most memorable battles were against the Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar. Anderson, who is playing his final Test match for England against the West Indies at Lord's, has dismissed Tendulkar nine times throughout his illustrious career.

Despite his success against Tendulkar, Anderson admitted that he never had a specific game plan against the Indian legend. "The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar," Anderson told Sky Sports. "I don't remember having a specific game plan against Sachin Tendulkar. Once he came on, I would just think that I cannot bowl a bad ball here, he was that kind of player."

Anderson emphasized the impact Tendulkar had on the Indian team and the atmosphere in the stadium. "He was a key for India as well. If you get him out in India, the whole atmosphere, in the ground changes. He was such a big wicket," Anderson said.

Like Tendulkar, who represented India for 24 years, Anderson has set a remarkable example for fast bowlers. He has played Test cricket for 21 years and became the first bowler to breach the 700-wicket mark earlier this year during India's tour of England.

However, Anderson acknowledged that both he and Tendulkar enjoyed success against each other. "You just try on bowling your best ball, top of off-stump, the whole time and hope he miss a straight one. In England, he might knick the odd one, but generally, I'd try and get him out LBW early," he said.

"I had some success against him, but he had success against me as well. He got runs against us quite a lot," Anderson added.

While Anderson claimed 149 wickets in 39 Tests against India with six five-fors, Tendulkar amassed 2,535 runs in 32 Tests against England at an average of 51.73 with seven centuries and 13 fifties.

Anderson also expressed pride in his batting achievement of scoring 81 runs against India at Nottingham in July 2014. "I am most proud of getting 81 at Trent Bridge against India. I probably should pick a wicket or bowling performance, but getting 81 with the bat, it is just something I still can't believe I have done," he said.

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