Jimmy the best: Wasim
Pakistan great Wasim Akram believes England's James Anderson is the best bowler currently operating in world cricket.
The 31-year-old Anderson has taken 13 wickets in the first two Ashes Tests to help England into a 2-0 lead over Australia ahead of the third Test at the Lancashire paceman's Old Trafford home ground starting Thursday.
Anderson, whose tally of 320 Test wickets places him third on England's all-time list behind Ian Botham and Bob Willis, is currently only equal fifth with Australia's Peter Siddle in the International Cricket Council's Test bowling rankings, which are led by South Africa quick Dale Steyn.
But Akram, arguably cricket's greatest left-arm fast bowler, who took 414 wickets in 104 Tests at a mean average of 23.62, was in no doubt of Anderson's standing amongst his peers.
"Jimmy Anderson is leading from the front. For me he is the best bowler of this era," Akram told BBC Sport on Wednesday. "He does it consistently, with the new ball and the old ball."
In Anderson, Akram said he recognised an equally skilled exponent.
"Jimmy is up there with me and Waqar because of the control he has," said Akram.
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