The most fierce Test cricket rivalries of all time
What's the story
The James Anderson versus Virat Kohli battle in Tests is one of a kind. Anderson had dismissed Kohli 4 times during India's tour of England in 2014. This time, though, Kohli came out strong, but only after surviving one of the most hostile spells at Edgbaston on Day 2. Let's have a look at some of the other fierce rivalries that governed the game.
Legends
McGrath vs Sachin governed the game
Two former legends of the game, Glenn McGrath and Sachin Tendulkar shared a stunning rivalry in Test cricket. If Tendulkar had the upper hand against former Aussie spinner Shane Warne, he never quite managed to crack the McGrath code. In 9 Tests, McGrath got Sachin out 6 times. Tendulkar averaged 22.16 against the pacer. The Test series in Australia in 1999, highlighted the rivalry.
Rivalry
McGrath vs Lara was another intense battle
The McGrath versus Brian Lara was another battle that captivated the minds. Lara regarded McGrath as his nemesis and the former holds him as the best batsman. In Tests, McGrath got Lara out 15 times in 24 matches. Lara too enjoyed his share of prowess as he struck nine Test tons against Australia. The 1999 Test series at home saw Lara launch an assault.
Battle
Muralitharan vs Lara saw the latter dictate
Lara dealt with Test cricket's highest wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan with a lot of character and finesse. In 8 Tests, Murali dismissed Lara on 5 occasions. Lara, on the other hand, averaged an astounding 56.80 against the Sri Lankan off-spinner. Lara's twin tons in Colombo in 2001 is still regarded as one of the best in cricket. He read Murali's variations like no other player.
Ashes
Warne vs KP battle took prominence in 2005
Kevin Pietersen and Shane Warne's rivalry grew with time and it was a sheer spectacle. In 10 Tests, Warne got KP out 5 times at an average of 22.80. In the summer of 2005, KP was dismissed by Warne in his debut match. He also went on to score a ton as the series progressed.
Intense
Harbhajan vs Ponting was a dream duel
In 2001, Harbhajan Singh tormented Ricky Ponting like nobody else. The off-spinner claimed Ponting's wickets a staggering 5 times in that series itself. Bhajji gave away just 17 runs against Punter and dismissed him for nought thrice. Harbhajan got Ponting out on 5 other occasions in 2007-08. In the Nagpur Test in 2008, Ponting slammed a brilliant hundred before Bhajji got him.