England’s cricketing icon, James Anderson has recently named his ultimate dream XI from among the plethora of talents he’s bowled against. This list was shared during an exclusive interview on TalkSport Cricket, hosted by Steve Harmison, providing cricket aficionados with a unique insight into Anderson’s perspective on the game’s greats.
James Anderson names his dream XI team of players he has played with or against
Elite openers
Alastair Cook (ENG): The former England captain, known for his marathon innings, opens the batting for Anderson’s dream team. Cook’s ability to weather storms and build substantial scores has evidently left a lasting impression.
“I got go Cook just on volume of runs and he’s one of my best mates. We played together he was captain for a bit we just became really close and yeah amazing player,” said Anderson on Cook.
Virender Sehwag (IND): The aggressive opener from India, Sehwag’s fearless approach at the top of the order has earned him a spot, showcasing Anderson’s admiration for dynamic opening batters.
“I’m gonna go Sehwag. I just feel like Sehwag’s got that ability to take a game away from you he can win a game in a session. He wanted to hit every ball for six, he was really exciting to watch but obviously difficult to bowl,” said Anderson on Sehwag.
Middle order mastery
Virat Kohli (IND): Kohli’s inclusion is no surprise, with his consistent performances, particularly against England, making him one of Anderson’s toughest opponents.
“Kohli for me. I think Kohli’s just phenomenal like match winner he’s got everything,” Anderson observed.
Joe Root (ENG): The current England captain, Root’s versatility and classical batting technique have secured him a spot in this elite lineup.
“Joe root every day of the week. I think just he’s someone that… he I think Harry Brook could potentially become England’s greatest ever batter but I think Joe Root England’s greatest ever batter,” reckoned the former English pacer.
Sachin Tendulkar (IND): The maestro of cricket, Tendulkar’s battles with Anderson are part of cricketing folklore, making his selection a nod to one of the game’s greatest ever. Picking Tendulkar, Anderson said: “I just think Sachin, he like the one people sort of put up there as the greatest ever, amazing. I think 200 test matches however many ODIs in T20Is playing with the amount of pressure he he’s seen as a as a God in India so to have that amount of pressure of a billion people watching every time you go out there and play I think he dealt with that amazing.”
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All-round influence and star wicketkeeper
Andrew Flintoff (ENG): Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, Anderson’s teammate during the famous 2005 Ashes, brings his all-round prowess, highlighting the impact of his performances on Anderson’s career.
“I’d probably go for Fred just because he’s got that something special about him, he change games um with bat ball and in the field similar to Ben Stokes. He can just pull something out of the bag when a team needs it. I just think for match winning sort of influence that got Fred,” explained Anderson.
Rishabh Pant (IND): The young Indian keeper-batter, known for his audacious stroke play, adds flair and excitement to Anderson’s dream team. Picking Pant over Adam Gilchrist, Anderson reckoned: “Pant I think, he’s almost there like one of the best keeper batters in the world. He’s inventive with his shot making he can you know he’s just got a really strong game for most situations I don’t know enough about the keeping to know whether who’s the best keeper out of the two but I’d go Pant.”
Spin and pace bowling unit
Shane Warne (AUS): The legendary leg-spinner, whose battles with Anderson were central to many memorable Ashes series, brings the guile and mystery of spin.
“Shane Warne, without a doubt one of the greatest characters to ever play the game like you we just mentioned about Fred and what he brings to a team he brings to the game of cricket and Sachin as well in that mold of people looking up to someone He had that in bucket loads he had that Charisma you know someone you wanted to go and watch you pay you know pay your money to go and watch someone like that,” said Anderson about Warne.
Stuart Broad (ENG): Anderson’s long-time partner in crime, Broad’s selection is a testament to their unparalleled partnership and success in English cricket. While picking Broad, he said: “I’m going to go Stuart, just because I think he did it sort of consistently over a long period of time. I think just for pure consistency I go broad.”
Glenn McGrath (AUS): The Aussie pace legend, McGrath’s inclusion reflects Anderson’s respect for his precision and effectiveness over the years.
“I just think McGrath, having grown up watching him and then playing against him I just feel like he there’s no one better who’s sort of metronomic and his accuracy and relentless could move the ball well in every all condition,” observed Anderson
Dale Steyn (SA): Completing the bowling attack is Steyn, whose pace and swing made him a formidable opponent, respected by Anderson for his skill and competitiveness.
“I’m picking Dale Steyn. I didn’t play a lot against Bret Lee played a bit. I mean yeah amazing bowler frighteningly quick could swing it as well. but I just think Steyn was, I think Steyn was the best bowler of this generation like he had everything speed could swing it accurate like he was just a nightmare to play against and he wanted to he had that sort of uh anger in his eyes where he felt like he wanted to kill you when you were batting against him,” added Anderson.