Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has opened up on who his toughest batsman to bowl to is, as well as his favourite footballer, in a rapid-fire interview.

The 26-year-old was speaking to Cricinfo and gave his answers on various topics.

On the toughest batsmen he has faced is former Australian captain Steve Smith. When it came to picking a batsman from any era, he named West Indies legend Brian Lara.

“Would have loved to bowl to Lara. Whenever I see his videos, I feel that he was the toughest batsman from that era,” he said.

Outside cricket, Amir looks up to the late physicist Stephen Hawking, who achieved remarkable fame despite not being able to move due to motor neurone disease.

“I love people who succeed in life overcoming various odds. Recently my wife told me about this scientist (Hawking) who was not able to walk or talk but he became world famous,” he said.

When it comes to Bollywood films, he would want Shahid Kapoor to play him if ever a biopic was made. In football, his favourite team is Argentina and favourite player Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.