"It was a privilege to face your cutters" - Babar Azam lauds James Anderson following the English pacer's farewell Test
Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam reserved high praise for England's veteran seamer James Anderson, who retired from international cricket on Friday, July 12. The seasoned campaigner claimed four wickets across two innings as England beat West Indies by an innings and 114 runs in the Test series opener at Lord's.
Congratulating Anderson for a stunning 22-year-long career, Babar mentioned that the game of cricket will dearly miss the champion bowler. He also added that it was an honour for him to face the pacer's cutters.
Taking to his official Instagram handle, here's what Babar wrote for Anderson:
"It was a privilege to face your cutters, Jimmy! The beautiful game will now miss one of its greatest. Your incredible service to the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. Huge respect for you, GOAT."
It is worth mentioning that Babar Azam and James Anderson squared off eight times in Test cricket. Anderson succeeded in dismissing Babar twice in the format, while the Pakistani batter scored 88 runs off the legendary cricketer's bowling.
Anderson finished his Test career with 704 wickets in 188 Tests, the third-highest overall and the highest among pacers.
"You’ve bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell" - Sachin Tendulkar on James Anderson's magical career
Many members of the cricketing fraternity, including Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, paid tributes to James Anderson following his retirement from international cricket.
Bidding Anderson a final goodbye, Tendulkar wrote in his Instagram post:
"You’ve bowled the fans over with that incredible 22-year spell. Here’s a little wish as you bid goodbye. It has been a joy to watch you bowl - with that action, speed, accuracy, swing and fitness. You’ve inspired generations with your game.
"Wish you a wonderful life ahead with good health and happiness as you put those new shoes on for the most important spell of your life - the time with family."
Anderson is one of the few bowlers who dominated Tendulkar in Test cricket, dismissing him nine times in 23 innings. He has claimed the ace batter's wicket the second-most times, with Brett Lee being at the top of the list with 14 dismissals.