Jimmy Anderson

[outwoodclaret]

Undoubtedly the greatest fast bowler the world has ever seen. I watched some brilliant fast bowling at Hampshire from Malcolm Marshall and Andy Roberts but 600 Test wickets for the Burnley Express is a record unlikely to be surpassed. I can’t see Jimmy calling it a day just yet though.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

I'm not at all sure Jimmy is "the greatest fast bowler the world has ever seen".

Undoubtedly Jimmy is a master of his craft, bowls with guile and determination, a tremendous team player, hates the opposing batsmen with a passion, adopted a true "partner in crime" with Stuart Broad, keeps himself fit and mentally prepared. If he supported Burnley instead of Arsenal I would probably concur with you outwood, but for me Michael Holding is the greatest fast bowler the world has ever seen.

[outwoodclaret]

I'm not at all sure Jimmy is "the greatest fast bowler the world has ever seen".

Undoubtedly Jimmy is a master of his craft, bowls with guile and determination, a tremendous team player, hates the opposing batsmen with a passion, adopted a true "partner in crime" with Stuart Broad, keeps himself fit and mentally prepared. If he supported Burnley instead of Arsenal I would probably concur with you outwood, but for me Michael Holding is the greatest fast bowler the world has ever seen.

“No Holding Back” there then BT in your tribute to “The Whispering Death”! I don’t hold any football allegiance to Arsenal against Jimmy Anderson in my assessment of him as a cricketer. In just the same way I don’t count the fact that Jezza is an Arsenal fan in my assessment of him as a politician.

[sinkov]

I don't think there can be a definitive 'greatest fast bowler', the stats never tell the whole story and everyone will have their own opinion. I always think back to those I've seen over the years and, if I'd ever been good enough to play at their level, which one I'd least like to face. And I still can't make my mind up, it's a toss up between Andy Roberts and Malcolm Marshall.

[alfinyalcabo]

Freddie Trueman was pretty good on his day.. Al sI thi.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Freddie Trueman was pretty good on his day.. Al sI thi.

My dad's hero was Brian Statham and Jimmy reminds me of the great man very much.

If you are going off Test Match wickets alone Jimmy's your man, but I saw Dennis Lille when he was the professional at Haslingden and OMG he was quick!

Our neighbour at the time was the Haslingden wicketkeeper Brian Downham, and he used to say it took a week for his palms to stop hurting. He also said when Lille was at top speed he was standing with the slip fielders almost in the Bentgate Cattle Auction!

[1959_60]

My dad's hero was Brian Statham and Jimmy reminds me of the great man very much.

If you are going off Test Match wickets alone Jimmy's your man, but I saw Dennis Lille when he was the professional at Haslingden and OMG he was quick!

Our neighbour at the time was the Haslingden wicketkeeper Brian Downham, and he used to say it took a week for his palms to stop hurting. He also said when Lille was at top speed he was standing with the slip fielders almost in the Bentgate Cattle Auction!

Aye BT. Lillee was a monster, and I used to watch him at Bentgate.

But I remember Wes Hall and Charlie Griffiths. At Hassy, when they were playing Burnley, Griffiths used to start his run up almost at the boundary. And by hell, he was fierce.

Hall and Griffiths for me. With Jimmy probably the best English fast bowler for me.

[outwoodclaret]

Malcolm Marshall was absolutely mesmerising. Not tall but sublimely quick and it was a tragedy he died so young. Quite rightly he has been honoured in many ways in the sport of cricket. The fact that his coffin was carried by five West Indian captains speaks volumes of the high regard he was held. I feel Jimmy Anderson in view of his immense contribution to cricket should be honoured and not just in Burnley.

[warminsterclaret]

Sir Curtly Elconn Lynwall Ambrose wasn't bad. 405 wickets in Tests at 20.99.

[alfinyalcabo]

Charlie " Chucker" Griffiths..