In a unique crossover event, cricket’s Ashes rivals, James Anderson and Nathan Lyon, showcased their throwing skills as they took the mound at the London Stadium for the Chicago Cubs versus St Louis Cardinals baseball game. The renowned bowlers, known for their red-ball expertise for England and Australia respectively, participated in the ceremonial first pitch before the Major League Baseball clash.
Anderson, England’s leading wicket-taker, and Lyon, the third-highest wicket-taker for Australia, demonstrated their versatility by stepping onto the baseball field. Anderson, donning the colours of the Chicago Cubs, and Lyon, sporting St Louis Cardinals attire, added a touch of cricketing flair to the event.
The presence of these seasoned cricketers on the baseball field garnered considerable attention from fans and spectators alike. Anderson and Lyon, known for their exceptional bowling skills, showed off their throwing prowess by delivering the ceremonial first pitches with precision and aptitude.
Here is the video:
Who had the better ceremonial first pitch?
🏴 Jimmy Anderson
🇦🇺 Nathan Lyon#LondonSeries | @jimmy9 @englandcricket | @NathLyon421 @CricketAus pic.twitter.com/mPgf4Nx8sa— MLB Europe (@MLBEurope) June 24, 2023
Expressing his admiration for baseball, Anderson highlighted the lessons cricket could learn from the American sport, particularly in terms of more aggressive hitting. The veteran English bowler acknowledged the power and technique displayed by baseball hitters and suggested that cricket could benefit from incorporating certain elements of that aggressive approach.
“I think you see the way cricket has developed, the way guys try to hit the ball, I think they take a lot from the guys here. I don’t know how much knowledge there is about cricket in America, I don’t think the baseball players are trying to block anything, but for me I’ve always watched the fielding and thought it was something we could do better. The speed they get to the ball, the speed they release the ball and the speed of the throw. I know it’s a different ball but I think it’s something we could learn from,” said Anderson as quoted by News18.
