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[97notout]

Front page column of todays Cricket paper is an article by Tom Reynolds stating that Steve Harmisson has rubbished Dale Steyns status as the worlds best test bowler insisting Jimmy Anderson is peerless in the modern game.

He goes on to state that he believes Steyn is more of a one trick pony than the England seamer and is adamant that the South African cannot stand comparison with Anderson across all surfaces.

It concludes that "Both of them are fantastic bowlers and are streeets ahead of anyone else in world cricket but my pick would be Jimmy"

"Not because he's English - I just think on a flatter wicket Jimmy can get the ball to do more things than Steyn. It will be a worthy thing for Jimmy to be Englands all-time top wicket taker"

Now I know that people will have different opinions and no one will ever win the debate but what do we reckon?

[PedalsMcgrew]

I can sort of see Harmy's point, but I would still pick Steyn over Anderson most of the time. His extra pace being the key for me. Having said that, Steyn with Jimmy's swing or Jimmy with Steyn's pace would be the perfect bowler.

[The_Bird]

Interestingly Steyn averages 32 in England and 28 in Australia on more 'sporting' wickets compared to 17 in Bangladesh, 19 in India, 18 in the West Indies and 24 in Pakistan.

Steyn still has 4/5 years of his prime to come really whereas Jimmy in in the middle of his Prime at the moment.

Both are class bowlers

[jamesisapayne]

I like Steyn's extra pace and aggression, but Anderson's control, variation and ability to set a batsman up edges it for me. They're both absolute top class though, I wouldn't kick either one down to the 2nd's at my club

[ppccopener]

Hmmm....they are different bowlers,Stein is in a purple patch atm.
Both are genuine world class.Anderson has mastered the art of inswing to go with his outswing,Stein can swing it out with mire pace.
Not sure ..the wicket against PAK looked to be prepared for their quicks and to counter ajmal.
On the 1st test wicket that bowling was unplayable early on

[ProCricketer1982]

I think I agree with you guys. Both are different bowlers but if you mixed the two.. my god you'd have a bowler!!!!

I think you'd be happy with either bowler.

[Buzz]

we are lucky to be able to watch steyn.

he is the only truly great quick playing at the moment. He is a genuine strike bowler and his strike rate is one of the best of all time. while playing on a load of shirt front tracks.

Anderson is a wonderful bowler. but not in the same class.

[aussiejake]

Steyn every day of the week.

[petehosk]

Jimmy is a great bowler and in swinging conditions, almost unplayable.
But the difference in my view, is that Steyn is a superb bowler in nearly every condition.
I'm with others on here - Steyn would be my first pick!!!! He's totally World class!

[Wedge2408]

Steyn for sure. Clearly the best in the world right now.
Not that Anderson isn't very good, but I think Steyn is a class above.

[Cover_Drive]

Dale Steyn, he is simply world best fast bowler and sits along greats like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Glenn McGrath et cetra.

Moreover, compared to James Anderson he is more consistent in his past records.

Having said that its treat to watch both of them in full flow especially when 'good' fast bowlers are scarce.

[smokem]

I can't see Anderson being picked before Steyn in any side. Harmy wide of the mark again.........

[LNB]

Would defiantly have Steyn over Anderson every time, both are great but just looking at Steyn's records 35 more wickets in 14 less test matches and a much better average and strike rate.

[Manormanic]

Tougher call than I would have at first thought, but I would on balance go for Steyn; I recognise that Jimmikins has a bit more variety in his ability to swing the ball, Steyn not really having an inswinger worthy of the name, but Steyn bowls at a greater pace and has a really amazxing ability to maintain, even increase, his pace through a long day which Anderson lacks.  As regards the ability of Anderson to vary things on a flat deck (or a very slow one) - yes, he has some variety, though he is no Matthew Hoggard in that regard, just someone who has learned a few old pro's tricks.  Steyn does not as yet need them - a flat deck at 90+ is still 90+...

[Gcricket]

Steyn, I think his a better bowler