Ahead of James Anderson's farewell Test, Brian Lara terms him 'greatest fast bowler to have played the game'

West Indies legend Brian Lara has termed James Anderson as 'the greatest fast bowler to have played the game' ahead of the iconic pacer's farewell Test, i.e. the England-West Indies first Test at Lord's starting on July 10. Anderson announced his Test retirement early this year. He will mentor the English bowlers after his retirement. Lara reckoned that Anderson, who has 700 Test scalps in 187 matches at an average of 26.52, has served England well and can depart on a high.

Talking on Sky Sports, Lara lauded Anderson and said, "He's the greatest fast bowler that ever played the game. I mean, it's just his numbers are incredible. And he's served England well. I know for a fact that, you know, he didn't have that in mind. But I think he's accepted it quite well. And if that's the choice of, you know, the captain or the coach or the selectors (who mentioned to the pacer that they are now looking at the future), then so be it. He's had a tremendous career. I don't think that he's going to feel slighted by it at all. He's just a tremendous performer. And what can I say? The best in the world."

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The West Indian added, "I'm not sure there's much English cricketers don't leave a legacy like he has. I mean, this is a man who has the most Test wickets as a fast bowler and, um, played for, I don't know, you tell me, 22, 23 for his country. Yeah. Fast bowling. You don't see that much. I think Courtney Walsh might be, might come close in terms of, uh, how many years you've played but his legacy is going to be tremendous and i think. For an English cricketer, I think he has the respect of the rest of the world. You speak to anyone that have played with or against him around the world, they will tell you how good he is."

Anderson started his career in 2002 and soon became a regular in the longest format. While he also has 287 wickets in white-ball formats, the veteran made a huge mark in Tests by becoming the first pacer with 700, or more, wickets. The upcoming England-West Indies first Test will be his last-ever appearance in the format and the 41-year-old will hope to leave on a high.

England will host West Indies in three Tests, starting on July 10.