Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn is considered among the fast-bowling greats, and it is no surprise that England seamer James Anderson often draws comparisons with him. Anderson, who is the all-time highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers, recently earned more adulation with his fine spell of reverse-swing on Day 5 of the first Test against India as he bowled Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane in the same over. Steyn, responding to a tweet analysing the statistics of the two bowlers in Asia, played down comparisons and also hailed Anderson for his longevity in one witty tweet.
"The only comparison required is that Jimmy is still going and I'm watching from my 20/20 sofa. He's a legend and seems to be getting better with age," Steyn tweeted.
Anderson took five wickets in the series opener against England in Chennai - two in the first innings and three in the second - taking his wickets tally in Test cricket to 611 scalps. His exploits in the second innings helped England seal a massive 227-run win to take a 1-0 series lead, as they continue their hunt to seal their spot in the World Test Championship final.
In August, Anderson dismissed Pakistan's Azhar Ali in the third Test in Southampton to become the first fast bowler to take 600 Test wickets.
Despite being 38, the pacer has maintained he still wants to keep going, and has gone as far as saying that he hasn't ruled out getting to the 700-wicket mark.
During England's series win in Sri Lanka, Anderson also took his 30th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, overtaking Australian legend Glen McGrath's tally.