‘May be if he played in India…’ – Ishant Sharma ignites Zaheer-Anderson’s fast bowling debate

Zaheer Khan and James Anderson. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Veteran India pacer Ishant Sharma reckoned that Zaheer Khan is a better fast bowler than England’s James Anderson. Anderson is the third-highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket, with 686 scalps from 180 matches at an average of 26.11. Zaheer, on the other hand, finished his Test career with 311 wickets in 92 games at an average of 32.94.

Anderson’s bowling style and method, according to Ishant, are significantly different, as he plays in different conditions in England. The 34-year-old added that Anderson might not have been as successful in the red-ball format if he had played in India.

“Jimmy Anderson’s bowling style and method is quite different. He plays in different conditions in England. May be if he played in India… Zak is better than Jimmy Anderson,” Ishant said on Ranveer Allahbadia’s YouTube channel.

The English pacer has played 13 Tests in India and picked up 34 wickets at an average of 29.32. Notably, the 40-year-old has yet to record a five-wicket haul in India. Meanwhile, Zaheer took 31 wickets in eight games at an average of 27.96 and had one five-fer in England.

Ishant opens up about controversy during the 2014 Wellington Test

Speaking of Zaheer, Ishant also addressed the controversy that erupted after the Wellington Test in 2014. The 34-year-old was accused by many of insulting the senior pacer. He clarified that Zaheer is truly like a guru to him and that he would never abuse him.

“I had told that to myself. To this day, people don’t understand to whom I said that. I have never abused anyone who has dropped a catch. How can say that to Zak? He is literally like guru for me. I have never even thought about saying anything like that,” Ishant added.

He went on to say that he was very frustrated at that moment because Brendon McCullum was scoring a lot of runs. Notably, the high-scoring Test ended in a draw, despite McCullum scoring a magnificent 302 in the second innings.

“It was just frustration because Brendon McCullum was scoring a lot of runs. There were only three fast bowlers – me, Zak and [Mohammed] Shami. After almost every four overs, we had to bowl again and the wicket was very flat. I was just removing the frustration on myself,” he concluded.