Anderson sees off Beckham

Cricket followers would rather share a drink with the England fast bowler James Anderson than David Beckham, according to a survey conducted for the first issue of the Wisden Cricketer magazine.

Seven out of 10 fans would prefer Anderson's company as a celebrity drinking partner, demonstrating the player's increased profile as cricket looks to attract a younger audience.

"I was quite surprised by the overwhelming number who said they would rather have a drink with Anderson than Beckham, but I think it shows the affection in which he is held," said John Stern, editor of Wisden Cricketer. "He comes across as a likeable fellow and I suppose you could say it's a big lift for English cricket."

Anderson's popularity may also have had a bearing on eight out of 10 people in the survey preferring their daughters to marry a cricketer than a footballer.

Nasser Hussain is rated as the best England captain since Mike Brearley.