Ashish Ranjan
There is no doubt that star Australian opener Usman Khawaja and veteran English pacer James Anderson share a strong friendship. Even though they are fierce rivals on the international circuit, they share a strong connection off the pitch, which is largely due to their time spent together at the Lancashire Cricket Club.
Both players used to compete alongside one another in Lancashire in 2014, and despite Anderson’s initial shyness and reticence, he eventually warmed up to Khawaja, largely due to the video game ‘Call of Duty’.
Recently, Khawaja came forward to disclose that Call of Duty helped him bond with one of England’s greatest Test pacers and break the ice with Anderson. Khawaja disclosed that in 2014, Anderson arrived to his room and they began playing Call of Duty, which eventually played a significant role in their friendship.
I visited Lancashire in 2014.” He (Anderson) was a very subdued, reserved individual; I wasn’t sure how to approach him. Then somehow – he and I were both devoted to Call of Duty on Play Station at the time! So did we break the chill. “After he came to my room and we began playing Call of Duty together, we got along pretty well,” Khawaja told reporters prior to the fourth Ashes Test.
I believe there is always space in the team for Jimmy Anderson: Khawaja
In addition, Khawaja lavished Anderson and his longevity with praise. He believed that he always has time for the seasoned pacer and that there is always space on the team for someone of his stature.
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“I have a great deal of respect for Jimmy – he’s been an exceptional cricketer for so long, and he has his own end named after him, so he must be doing something right! Khawaja believes there is always space for Jimmy Anderson on the team.
