'I've not seen anyone bowl a better inswinger' - Jamie Porter promotes uncapped Sam Cook as James Anderson's replacement

England cricket’s pace sensation, James Anderson will play his final Test as England take on West Indies in the first Test at Lord’s. Anderson took to social media to let his fans know about his farewell Test and subsequently talks of his replacement arose. Previously his pace partner, Stuart Broad announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in July 2023. 

Amongst several names who could fill the big boots of Anderson, Essex seamer Sam Cook appears to be the frontrunner. The uncapped player is being endorsed by his new-ball partner Jamie Porter. Cook’s first-class record is worth taking note of as he has plucked 293 wickets at an average of 19.32. Porter, particularly emphasised Cook’s ability to bowl inswingers akin to Anderson.

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"Apart from Jimmy Anderson, I've not seen anyone bowl a better inswinger than him – ever. He doesn't miss. And then, he can swing it away and nip it both ways, he has a good bouncer. It's impossible to go like for like. No one will ever do what he's done in the game, but in terms of the same skillset, I think the one thing you'll lose with Jimmy Anderson is that banker with the new ball,” said Porter as quoted by The Cricketer.

“Wherever you are in the world, the new ball is going to be the most important time. He is going to ask the right questions. But the only other person I look at who's floating around that I would have the same sort of faith in would be Sam Cook. At the very least, he's going to whack a length, he's going to whack the seam, he's going to ask questions,” he added.

Life comes full circle for Jimmy Anderson

The 42-year-old has 700 wickets to his name which is the most for any pacer in Test history. Moreover, he has represented England 188 times in Tests which is the second most in Tests for any player. He is overdone by the legend Sachin Tendulkar who has 200 Test caps to his name. The life comes full circle for Anderson as he debuted at Lord’s in 2003 and will walk into the sunset at the same venue after 21 years.