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Cook Rates James Anderson As England's Best Bowler Ever

by Sandeep Shivam Sunday 26 April 2015

England captain Alastair Cook has rated pacer James Anderson as England's best bowler of all time following their side’s nine-wicket win over West Indies in Grenada.

©REUTERS / Action Images

England captain Alastair Cook has rated pacer James Anderson as country's best bowler of all time following their side's nine-wicket win over West Indies in Grenada.

"It was a brilliant performance,” said Cook to the BBC.

“He was the star and it just proves why, in my eyes, he is England's best bowler of all time.”

Starting the final day at 202 for two, West Indies looked set to save the game before the wily Anderson stepped in for England with the second new ball.

In a fantastic spell of swing bowling, he removed both overnight batsmen Kraigg Brathwaite and Darren Bravo before snaring the prized scalp of Shivnarine Chanderpaul quickly.

“We should cherish every moment he bowls for England.

“We turned up at the ground thinking it would be a lot of hard work on a flat wicket and it was, but when you've got special players in your team they can produce special performances at the drop of a hat."

Apart from his contributions with the ball, Anderson also effected a run-out and took a catch as West Indies were bowled out for 307 leaving England with just 143 to win.

Cook who scored his second half-century of the match to guide England home seemed pleasantly surprised at Anderson’s all-round ability.

"I was slightly surprised with his run out and his two catches.

“I didn't quite know he had that in him, but it was fantastic skill and heart."

The win in Grenada was England’s first Test win abroad since 2012 when they beat India in Kolkata.