James Anderson, the England pacer expressed his disappointment at the team’s efforts in the ongoing Ashes. James Anderson said he genuinely believed England could regain the Ashes 2021/22 urn by beating Australia Down Under this time around.
England’s Ashes campaign was ground to dust as they crashed to an innings defeat in a must-win third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia’s relentless bowling unit bundled the visitors out for 68. Scott Boland surprised himself with a sensational debut at his home ground. The Victorian pacer returned with figures of 4-1-7-6 in England’s 2nd innings.
James Anderson Thought England Squad Would Compete But The Plans Failed
James Anderson admitted England has failed to execute their plans in all three Tests, surrendering abjectly without any effort to compete.
Citing his disappointment at not meeting expectations, the 39-year-old stated: “The first three games have been really gutting. The lads are pretty flat at the minute. I genuinely thought we had a good chance when we came over here. I thought the squad we’ve got would be able to compete but it’s clearly not gone to plan.”
He added: “The more senior players have to rally round and make sure everyone is in a good headspace to compete because the first three games have been really gutting.”
James Anderson Gutted For Not Performing For Fans Urging Teammates To Leave No Stone Unturned
James Anderson urged his teammates to leave no stone unturned in the final two Tests and give the England supporters something to cheer for.
The Lancashire seamer said: “I think we’ve just got to throw absolutely everything at the next two games. We’re aware that we’ve got so much support and I know people are getting up in the middle of the night watching us as well at home. We are just gutted that we’re not performing for those people and giving them what they want to see.”
James Anderson was part of England’s 2010-11 Ashes series victory, emerging as the highest wicket-taker that year. Since then, the veteran has seen Australia steamroll his side in the previous two tours. This tour could possibly be his final appearance Down Under, as James Anderson will want to sign off with two wins.
Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson, and Josh Inglis have been called up as cover as Australia batter Travis Head has tested positive for Covid-19. Australia already has Usman Khawaja with the squad and he would be the likely replacement for Travis Head in the middle order. England head coach Chris Silverwood, like Travis Head, will miss the Sydney Test and remain in isolation in Melbourne after one of his family members tested Covid-19 positive.
Captain Pat Cummins, who missed the second test due to a Covid scare, is one pacer assured of playing. If fellow pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood both play, it means there will be no room for debutant Scott Boland despite his stunning 6/7 on debut at the MCG. Spinner Mitchell Swepson could also play if there is a turning wicket in Sydney and Australia decide to play two spinners, with allrounder Cameron Green as the third seamer.
James Anderson has been one of England’s standout performers in the series and took 4-33 from his 23 overs, including 10 maidens, as England bowled Australia out for 267 on day two of the third Test. He has picked 7 scalps in 2 Tests averaging a mere 14.14.