James Anderson and Glenn McGrath: A Statistical Analysis

#4: General Records

Wickets and average are one of the most crucial aspects of bowling in test match cricket, hence, let's look at the key difference between both these players in terms of wickets and average.

A- Wickets against individual teams

Glenn Mcgrath and James Anderson's wickets against individual teams

When we breakdown the number of wickets taken by them and average against each country, following interesting observations come up:

1. 157 against England- Most wickets taken by Glenn Mcgrath against a single opposition. His average against the same opposition is only 20.9;
2. 104 against Australia- Most wickets taken by James Anderson against a single opposition. However, his average against the same opposition is 34.6, which is poor as per his standards;
3. Anderson has taken more wickets than Mcgrath against India, New Zealand, South Africa and Srilanka;
4. Mcgrath has taken more wickets than Anderson against only Pakistan and West Indies.

B- Average against individual teams

Glenn Mcgrath and James Anderson's average against individual teams

Comparing the averages, we have following observations:

1. Pakistan is the only opposition against whom Anderson has overshadowed McGrath. He has a superb average of 18.6 against Pakistan, in comparison to McGrath's 21.7;
2. 27.3 against South Africa- McGrath's worst average against a single opposition.
3. Against India, McGrath's favorite opposition, he has taken 51 wickets at a phenomenal average of 18.6.

Conclusion:

"Once he goes past me, Anderson will never be beaten" - Glenn McGrath

Anderson may eventually break the record and set a new one that will stay forever according to McGrath. However, the way Glenn Mcgrath dominated the 90's, there have been very few bowlers who could come close to that.

Outgrowing all the above analysis, for the benefit of the sport we must recognise that both of these bowlers have been phenomenal in their respective eras, and have done a brilliant job for their country.