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For years and years, the debate between who is better out of Dale Steyn and James ‘Jimmy’ Anderson has raged.

I say raged, but it’s really only hardened English fans who insist that their record test match wicket-taker can actually compete with Dale, and the stats speak for themselves.

Dale boasts 439 test wickets at an average of 22,95 and a strike rate of 42,3, whereas Anderson has 584 wickets at an average of 26,83 and a strike rate of 56,1.

Both have played their home matches in conditions that usually favour swing bowlers, and it’s in conditions away from home that Steyn really earns his stripes.

The Phalaborwa Express has 178 wickets at under 25, whereas Anderson’s away record is 216 wickets at more than 32.

Still, Anderson is a master of the art of swing, and he sits fourth on the all-time test match wicket-taker list, beaten only by the prolific spin bowling of Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and Anil Kumble.

Much like how football fans get to enjoy watching both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in action, fans of quality swing bowling have been very fortunate to watch both Steyn and Anderson for more than a decade.

Last week the due came together, digitally at least, for the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, where they talked about their careers and their admiration for one another.

They really didn’t hold back, as you can see from this little taster:

🎧 PODCAST – The Fast Bowling Journey 🎧

💥 @jimmy9 & @DaleSteyn62 talk skills, pace, training & playing against another! 💥

👉 https://t.co/LO6q6T53wG
🔊 Apple: https://t.co/IB01fOsCjm
🔊 Spotify: https://t.co/SEfPwvqf0w pic.twitter.com/7Is3g0q3fx

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 14, 2020

That gives you an idea of what was discussed, but the full podcast, which comes in at just under an hour, is a fascinating look into the careers of two modern-day greats.

We shall refrain from any talk about Dale’s beard:

[source:skysports]