Throughout Moeen Ali's Test career, there were moments spent in the dressing room reflecting quietly on the fortune of being in the same England team as Jimmy Anderson. Anderson, to Ali, is a once-in-a-generation cricketer and arguably the greatest seam bowler of all time.
Ali recalled making his Test debut in 2014 when Anderson was already 31 years old. At that point, Anderson had been playing international cricket for 11 years, approaching his 100th cap. He had already won the Ashes both home and away, formed a legendary partnership with Stuart Broad, and played a crucial role in a historic series win in India two years earlier. In the match against Sri Lanka at Lord’s, Anderson took seven wickets, reaching 350 Test wickets, yet his career was far from over. Ali described Anderson as a remarkable player, almost a phenomenon.
Anderson was reputed to be grumpy, and as a newcomer who had grown up watching him on TV, Ali felt a bit intimidated before they met. However, from the first day, Anderson was supportive, despite having played with many other great players and being close friends with Graeme Swann, whom Ali had replaced. Over the 50-plus Tests they played together, there was never a disagreement, on or off the field. Ali, known for his playful nature in the dressing room, never dared to joke with Anderson, recognising his stature in the team.
The perception of Anderson as grumpy or shy was misleading. Ali noted that no one loved playing cricket and representing England as much as Anderson did. His passion for the game and disdain for losing were evident. Ali remembered an incident during his second Test at Headingley when Anderson was in tears after getting out with two balls remaining, having tried hard to save the series. Ali felt gutted for Anderson, seeing how much effort he put in, even in situations outside his primary role as a bowler.
This week at Lord’s is about celebrating Anderson's incredible achievements. New players will step up, but there is no replacing Anderson. With 700 Test wickets and one game to go, Ali emphasised that there could never be another Anderson, especially with the evolving nature of the sport.
Despite nearing 42, Anderson can still bowl as effectively as ever, demonstrated by his seven-wicket haul for Lancashire last week. Ali believed that if Anderson played the entire summer, he would claim many more wickets. Anderson is also England’s record wicket-taker in one-day internationals with 269 wickets. His focus on Test cricket after being moved on from white-ball cricket by Eoin Morgan in 2015 contributed to his longevity.
Anderson's mastery of the wobble seam delivery set him apart. Starting his career bowling at 90mph and then shifting to swinging the ball both ways in the 80s, he perfected the wobble seam, making him nearly unplayable. Ali noted that while many bowlers could wobble the ball into the right-hander, Anderson could move it both ways, making it seem like magic.
In the dynamic partnership with Broad, Anderson probably assisted Broad more. Batters often tried to survive Anderson’s spells, allowing Broad to capitalise at the other end. Anderson's methodical approach contrasted with Broad’s ability to take five-wicket hauls in sharp bursts, creating a formidable partnership.
Ali often fielded at mid-off, and Anderson would frequently ask for his opinion on certain batters. Ali found it incredibly cool that the greatest bowler sought his thoughts. Anderson and Broad were always supportive, even on Ali's tougher days as the lone spinner, respecting the effort he put into his game.
It would be unwise for English cricket to waste Anderson’s knowledge. Ali was pleased that Anderson would mentor the Test bowlers for the rest of the summer, even after his last match at Lord’s. Ali, having retired from Test cricket more than once, advised never to say never about a comeback, hinting that perhaps this might not be Anderson’s final farewell.