Shoaib Akhtar recalls the incident when he clocked the fastest delivery against England in 2003

James Anderson and Stuart Broad: (Image Source: Twitter)

England are all set to play a Test series against Pakistan in Pakistan after 17 years. The first Test begins on 1st December 2022 in Rawalpindi. The last time when England toured Pakistan for a Test series, Shoaib Akhtar wrote his name in the history books as he clocked the fastest delivery in the history of the sport. 

Ahead of the start of the Test series, the former Pakistan speedster recalled the same incident and mentioned how James Anderson stole the limelight from him in the series. Notably, Shoaib Akhtar clocked 161.3 kph delivery against England in 2003. Pakistan had restricted England to 246 runs in that game. 

However, what followed was an outstanding bowling spell from Anderson, who returned with stellar figures of 4 for 29, helping England win the match by 112 runs, eventually. 

In a recent video uploaded on his Youtube channel, Shoaib Akhtar heaped praise on James Anderson and also revealed how he ‘ruined his happiness’ during that tour with his match-winning spell. 

"Mr Anderson, you played against me in 2003 and spoiled my day! When I broke the record, you annihilated us in that game … ruined my happiness! He’s a brilliant guy and it will be fantastic to see him bowl in Pakistan again. It’s been nearly 18 years since he was here and now he’s back again and his bowling looks as virile as ever," Akthar told the Guardian. 

Akhtar is still waiting eagerly for a fast bowler to break his record of fastest delivery in international cricket. He feels that if injuries had not ruined his career, he would have been the greatest bowler ever. 

"Every time I turn on the TV, I say: ‘Is there anyone out there who can step up? Please take this record away from me,’ I’ll be the first to fly out and shake them by the hand. Had I been the fittest guy, I would’ve been the greatest ever," he added.