Legendary English fast bowler James Anderson has identified Pakistan’s top batter Babar Azam as his favourite Pakistani cricketer in a video of his favourite players from various countries.
Anderson’s top five cricketers are: Shane Warne, Joe Root, Virat Kohli, Tim Southee and AB de Villiers.
Anderson will become England’s biggest Test wicket-taker with his 700th wicket on March 13, 2024. He retired from international cricket after playing his 188th and final Test against West Indies at Lord’s in July 2024.
But, he went on to represent Lancashire and took 50 wickets at the brilliant average of 17.68 in the 2026 season.
On October 25, Lancashire announced that they would not be extending his contract in 2027, and would end their 25-year partnership with him. The move was surprising but Anderson has not yet announced his retirement.
On the other hand, Babar Azam has been called into question on his recent form. He made his debut for Pakistan in the recent tri-nation series and in four matches scored only 118 runs before getting out for a duck in the final game against Sri Lanka. He had his final international 100 against Sri Lanka in November 2025.
He also compiled a mere 91 runs in five innings at this year’s T20 World Cup. Former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf told him to go to England or Australia for specialised coaching, to overcome technical shortcomings.
Babar also added 42 runs to Lahore Whites’ score in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy on November 6 and then angrily hit his bat down on the pitch after he was bowled out.
In spite of all these difficulties, he had an outstanding PSL 2026 season and was ultimately the top scorer in the PSL 2026.
