Jimmy was born to bowl: Graeme Swann

Former England cricketer, Graeme Swann feels pacer James Anderson, the latest entrant in 500 wickets club, was born to bowl. The fast bowler added another feather in his cap when he cleaned up Windies opener Kraigg Brathwaite and became only 6th bowler to pick a whopping 500 Test wickets. He is also only the third fast bowler after Courtney Walsh and Glenn McGrath to reach the magical number.

Incidentally, the mode of dismissal of his first and 500th wicket was similar as he had shattered the stumps of Mark Vermeulen in his debut match way back in 2003. He has once again displayed his immense swing bowling skills in the ongoing Test match against Windies at Lord’s. His 501st wicket was absolutely unplayable when he dismissed Kieron Powell with a delivery which pitched on off stump line and straightened to clip the off bail.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays until 40

In an interview with BBC Sport, Graeme Swann heaped praises on the best fast bowler England has ever produced. He mentioned that Jimmy is always aware of records and milestones and his taking wickets is his motivation.

“Not only is he England’s best ever, but he was also born to bowl. He’s a phenomenal talent in so many ways. I want to say he’s a club swinger who got lucky – similar to what he says about me as a spinner – but his talent is all natural. He likes his records and milestones and is aware of his numbers at each ground, but his main drive is simply to take wickets. And to be grumpy while doing so,” said the best England spinner.

Swann also added that Anderson has an amazing control over the ball and his patience while bowling is the key to his success.

“I find it bizarre when commentators say he could do better. He’s always got a plan and is often so patient in his execution of those plans that he could be a spinner. He’ll angle three deliveries across a batsman and the commentator will be screaming for him to nip one back. But he bides his time, almost waiting until the batsman thinks he’s not got one that goes the other way, and then he’ll produce it and take a wicket. He’s got incredible control of the cricket ball,” the off-spinner who retired in 2013 continued.

Swann expressed that he wouldn’t be surprised to see the fast bowler play for next 5 years or so looking at his immensely fit body.

“I retired in 2013 but Jimmy could play for a long while yet. He is 35 now, but he’s in such good shape that I wouldn’t rule out him playing until he’s 40,” he admired his former teammate.

The 38-year-old was also surprised to see Anderson fit as according to him the bowler has the worst diet. “Jimmy’s a supreme athlete who, despite being 35, still has the body of a 21-year-old. I’m not sure how, though, because he’s got the worst diet of any professional athlete I know. The only things he eats are pizzas and burgers, yet he’s so lithe and loose. He’s like a whippet – there’s more meat on a dirty fork,” he laughed while saying.