When we talk about the greatest batsman and one of the best fast bowlers of modern cricket, the names Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson always come up. Sachin, known as the “Master Blaster,” ruled world cricket with his bat for over two decades. Anderson, England’s top fast bowler, became famous for his swing and skill.
Their careers crossed paths several times, especially in Test matches between India and England, and also in a few ODI games. While Sachin was nearing the end of his career, Anderson was rising as one of the best bowlers in the world.
Let’s take a look at how these two cricket legends performed against each other over the years.
Sachin Tendulkar vs James Anderson Head-to-Head Stats Summary
While Tendulkar scored a decent number of runs, Anderson clearly had the upper hand in Tests, especially during the latter stages of Tendulkar's career.
Format | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s/6s | Avg | SR |
Test | 208 | 350 | 9 | 260 | 34/0 | 23.1 | 59.4 |
ODI | 140 | 194 | 3 | 135 | 24/0 | 46.7 | 72.2 |
Total | 348 | 544 | 12 | 395 | 58/0 | - | - |
Tendulkar vs Anderson: Year-by-Year Head to Head Stats in Tests
Sachin Tendulkar faced James Anderson in Test cricket on multiple occasions, scoring a total of 208 runs off 350 balls. Anderson dismissed Tendulkar 9 times in Tests, making him one of the most successful bowlers against the Indian legend in this format. Out of those 350 deliveries, 260 were dot balls, and Tendulkar managed to hit 34 boundaries but no sixes.
Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Avg | SR |
2006 | 9 | 18 | 1 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 9.0 | 50.0 |
2007 | 69 | 142 | 3 | 114 | 11 | 0 | 23.0 | 48.6 |
2008 | 18 | 40 | 1 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 18.0 | 45.0 |
2011 | 88 | 117 | 2 | 82 | 17 | 0 | 44.0 | 75.2 |
2012 | 24 | 33 | 2 | 23 | 4 | 0 | 12.0 | 72.7 |
Total | 208 | 350 | 9 | 260 | 34 | 0 | 23.1 | 59.4 |
Tendulkar vs Anderson: Year-by-Year Head to Head Stats in ODIs
In ODIs, Tendulkar scored 140 runs off 194 deliveries against Anderson, and was dismissed three times. Out of those deliveries, 135 were dot balls, while he struck 24 fours and no sixes.
Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Avg | SR |
2003 | 7 | 17 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 0 | - | 41.2 |
2006 | 15 | 12 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 0 | - | 125.0 |
2007 | 90 | 139 | 2 | 102 | 16 | 0 | 45.0 | 64.7 |
2008 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | 50.0 |
2011 | 27 | 24 | 1 | 13 | 5 | 0 | 27.0 | 112.5 |
Total | 140 | 194 | 3 | 135 | 24 | 0 | 46.7 | 72.2 |
Verdict: Sachin Tendulkar vs James Anderson - Who has the edge?
Overall, out of 544 balls faced by Tendulkar, Anderson kept him quiet for most of the time — bowling 395 dot balls and taking 12 wickets in total. Though Sachin was still able to score runs, Anderson was one of the few bowlers who could regularly trouble him, especially in Tests.
So, while Sachin Tendulkar is a cricketing legend, James Anderson won this personal battle more often than not.
