James Anderson (right) and Chris Woakes (left) have managed to maintain their positions in England’s bowling lineup.
The Fifth LV Insurance Ashes Test: England vs. Australia, will take place at The Kia Oval on Thursday, 27 July, beginning at 11:00 BST. Coverage includes live text commentary, in-play video clips via the Sport Newes Center website and app, as well as BBC Test Match Special on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra. “Today at the Test” daily highlights will be available on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 19:00 BST.
England’s Captain Ben Stokes has declared his support for James Anderson, describing him as the “greatest fast bowler to play the game”. Anderson’s inclusion in the unaltered England squad for the final Ashes Test against Australia attests to Stokes’ faith.
Despite the fact that Anderson, who is turning 41 this Saturday, has bagged only four wickets in the series, he confirmed in his Telegraph column that he has no intentions of retiring.
Stokes defended Anderson saying, “Despite his performance not being up to his usual standards in this series, he is an exceptional bowler. He has been criticised for his performance, but had Joe Root not scored the runs he was expected to, his position as a batsman would not have been questioned.”
The Captain reiterated his high regard for Anderson, “James Anderson is the greatest fast bowler to play the game, and he still performs as he did two years ago.”
With a total of 689 wickets, Anderson tops the list of England’s all-time wicket-takers in Test cricket. Nonetheless, a peculiar aspect of his illustrious career is his recent record against Australia – he hasn’t participated in a victorious Test against England’s oldest competitors since 2015.
Throughout the current series, the visitors have consistently employed a strategy of outlasting Anderson, a method which has proven successful in previous Ashes series in Australia.
Despite having the best economy rate (2.69) in the series thus far over the course of the four Tests, Anderson also unfortunately possesses the worst strike rate of 171.
When Anderson takes the new ball in the fifth Test on Thursday, he will be the oldest England bowler to do so in an Ashes Test since Johnny Douglas in 1925.
After this game, Anderson’s next potential opportunity to represent England would be on their India tour in January. In response to rumours about his future, Anderson stated, “My love for Test cricket remains undiminished, and I am enjoying this phase of my career with England more than ever. There are absolutely no plans for retirement.”
Hoping to tie the series 2-2, England has stuck with the same eleven that almost clinched a win in the fourth Test, only to be interrupted by rain in Manchester.
Stuart Broad, Anderson’s longstanding new-ball partner, will play in all of England’s home Tests this summer at 37. With 18 dismissals, Broad is currently the leading wicket-taker in this Ashes series.
In praise of Broad, Stokes said, “His contribution has been extraordinary. For a bowler to participate in all five matches is challenging, but he’s been exceptional. His continuous performance is a testament to his hard work off the field.”
Despite not having a chance to win the Ashes, England is determined to prevent Australia from claiming their first series win in England since 2001.
In an interview with Sport Newes Center, Stokes stated, “We aim to win this match to deny Australia the satisfaction of winning the series. Even if the outcome doesn’t favour us, this result will not impact our approach in the upcoming series.”
Australia has yet to announce their final lineup, with the possibility of recalling off-spinner Todd Murphy, potentially replacing all-rounders Mitchell Marsh or Cameron Green.
Regardless of the outcome, Australia will retain the Ashes they have held since 2017-18. Captain Pat Cummins seeks to improve upon their 2-2 draw from four years ago, stating, “This group is motivated to win the series. While we acknowledge last week wasn’t our best, it feels like the job isn’t finished yet.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ashes 2023 England Team
Who are the players mentioned retaining their places in England’s team for the Ashes 2023?
James Anderson and Chris Woakes have both retained their places in England’s bowling line-up for the Ashes 2023.
When and where is the fifth LV Insurance Ashes Test scheduled?
The fifth LV Insurance Ashes Test between England and Australia is scheduled for Thursday, 27 July at The Kia Oval.
What is Captain Ben Stokes’ opinion on James Anderson?
Captain Ben Stokes has shown his support for James Anderson, referring to him as the “greatest fast bowler to play the game.”
How many wickets has James Anderson taken in this series?
As of the series leading up to the fifth test, James Anderson has taken four wickets.
What is James Anderson’s status on retirement?
James Anderson, who turns 41 on the Saturday of the week of the fifth test, has confirmed that he has no plans to retire.
Who is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket?
James Anderson is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, with a total of 689 wickets.
What is the next potential game for James Anderson after the Ashes 2023?
The next possible game for James Anderson could be during England’s tour of India in January.
Who is the leading wicket-taker in the current Ashes series?
Stuart Broad is the leading wicket-taker in the current Ashes series, with 18 victims.
What is England’s aim for the final Ashes 2023 Test?
England aims to tie the series 2-2 and deny Australia their first series win in England since 2001.
When was the last time Australia won the Ashes series?
Australia has held the Ashes since the 2017-18 series.
7 comments
I say, if Anderson still loves the game and can perform, why force him to retire. Let the man play!
Anderson oldest since 1925 huh, cricket history right there. Hope he has a few more years left in him yet. Go England!
Can’t believe how good Broad’s been this series. 18 victims, what a legend! props to him.
no way! Anderson still in the team?? He’s only taken 4 wickets, time to give the young guns a chance, right??
Stokes is a top captain, backing Anderson like that. Respect!
Can’t wait for the fifth Test! Let’s level the series boys!! Fingers crossed the weather holds up this time…
Hmm Anderson’s economy might be good, but that strike rate… not so much. He needs to step it up next test.