Former England fast bowler James Anderson recently took part in an engaging blind-ranking challenge, placing fellow seamers from one to ten during the ongoing 2025–26 Ashes, as shared by the Tailenderspod Instagram handle. The veteran pacer surprisingly named former England all-rounder Ian Botham as his top choice.
Botham ended his international career with 528 wickets at an average of 28.44, including 27 five-wicket hauls. Anderson slotted his longtime rival Dale Steyn at No. 2, impressed by the South African great’s outstanding record across formats. Steyn retired just one wicket short of 700 international scalps, boasting a superb average of 23.37 and 29 five-wicket hauls.
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was placed third on Anderson’s list. Bumrah has so far claimed 484 international wickets at a stunning average below 21, with 18 five-wicket hauls to his name. Wasim Akram was chosen as the leading left-arm pacer and ranked fourth overall, owing to the Pakistan legend’s exceptional performances in Tests and ODIs.
Akram finished with 916 international wickets, the third-highest tally among fast bowlers, behind Anderson and Glenn McGrath. Former West Indies quick Michael Holding completed the top five, having taken 391 wickets at an average of 22.84 in international cricket.
Sri Lankan great Lasith Malinga was ranked sixth, largely due to his dominance in white-ball cricket, which helped him amass 546 international wickets.
Two Left-Arm Pacers Make James Anderson’s Final Four
James Anderson opted for a balanced mix of two left-arm and two right-arm pacers in the final four spots of his top 10 list. Former South Africa skipper Shaun Pollock was placed seventh, having taken 829 wickets across formats at an impressive average below 24.
New Zealand’s left-arm quick Trent Boult followed at No. 8, boasting more than 600 international wickets at an average of 25.60. Another left-arm fast bowler, Mitchell Johnson, was ranked ninth. The former Australian pacer ended his international career with 590 wickets at an average of 26.65, including 15 five-wicket hauls.
Rounding off the list at No. 10 was Anderson’s former England teammate Jofra Archer. Archer’s career has been hampered by injuries, limiting his impact so far, with the express pacer managing just 163 international wickets since making his England debut in 2019.
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