Srinagar: England’s legendary pacer James Anderson has targetted the ‘important’ wicket of the Pakistan skipper Babar Azam during the Test series against Pakistan that starts on Thursday in Rawalpindi.
Anderson said England would be paying special attention to Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, one of the world’s top batsmen.
“We’re well aware how important a wicket Babar is for Pakistan,” Anderson was quoted as saying.
Anderson is the only survivor of England’s last series in Pakistan — in 2005 — and while he didn’t play then, the 40-year-old will spearhead England’s attack in the first Test starting Thursday.
Despite his age, Anderson has been the key to England’s six wins from seven under the new leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
“The introduction of Ben as captain and Brendon as coach has also helped in terms of thinking outside the box,” said Anderson
“In terms of field settings and plans that you use on the field… I think we might have to, maybe, think outside the box a little bit over the next few weeks.”
“The challenge is trying to try to find something in unresponsive pitches — that is the sort of skill of being a Test cricketer who plays all around the world.”
About playing in Pakistan again, he said, “We know how many cricket fans are in Pakistan and how much they love and support not just Pakistan cricket team, but cricket in general around the world”.
“It’s amazing… thank you on behalf not just of myself, but the whole team for the welcome we’ve had.”