James Anderson at Cristiano Ronaldo and Novak Djokovic, says Monty Panesar | Cricket news

James Anderson is one of the best sportsmen in the world alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Novak Djokovic after a scintillating performance on day two of the third Ashes Test, former England spinner Monty Panesar said.

Fast pitcher Anderson, now 39, took 4-33 on his 23 overs, including 10 young girls, as England beat Australia for 267 in Melbourne, including the opener’s crucial wickets David Warner and the Steve Smith talisman.

Panesar told Sky Sports News that Anderson is one of a kind and the country would likely never find someone like him again.

He said: “James Anderson was just beautiful. His performances are really up to par with great sportsmen at the moment like Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, (Novak) Djokovic with tennis.

“Jimmy Anderson lives up to these kinds of stars. It was a brilliant bowling performance. We probably won’t see another English bowler like this again.

“I thought England were probably having their best bowling performance of the series so far.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Panesar says Anderson was ‘brilliant’ against Australia in third test

“As a bowling unit, they played wonderfully well. Mark Wood, who was dangerous throughout the series, bowled at an extreme pace, recording 150 km / h and getting the No.1 batsman [Marnus Labuschagne] outside. It was awesome to watch. « 

Panesar expressed sympathy for the England hitters who fell, insisting that all the wickets in the last hour were ‘unplayable deliveries’, before criticizing several selection calls and admitting the hosts could wrap up a win in series on the fourth day.

Panesar added, “Throughout the series, they’ve had bad decision making.

“In Brisbane Joe Root won the toss, England should have bowled and Stuart Broad should have played. If they were grooming Jack Leach as a frontline spinner, they should have played him in the early part of the English summer.

“With the Hundreds and the focus on white ball cricket, England haven’t prepared as well as they have on previous tours.

“Let’s be honest, this Australian team are not as strong as England. England have just made bad selection mistakes and bad decisions throughout the series.

« We were hoping as England fans that they could survive this hour, but these last two wickets have given Australia the upper hand and they will likely look to wrap up the series. [on day three] at one point. «