Cricket

Ashes 2023: Would be surprised to see England pick James Anderson for Oval Test, says Ricky Ponting

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has said he would be surprised if England decide to pick James Anderson for the fourth Test match at Kennington Oval, London. Anderson has been below-par for the home team, picking up only four wickets in three Ashes Test matches at an average of 76.75.

Anderson once again looked toothless as he scalped a solitary wicket in the fourth Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester, which ended in a draw after persistent rain on the last two days. The veteran fast bowler has not bowled with rhythm and has also failed to find swing, which has always been his strength over the years.

“He has lacked penetration right through the series, James Anderson so it’s going to be a really interesting decision, I think, from England now going into this last Test,” Ponting noted in the latest episode of ICC Review.

In fact, Anderson doesn’t have a great record while playing at Kennington Oval as he has scalped 49 wickets in 15 Test matches at an average of 32.12 while playing at the venue.

“He might have picked up wickets the other day and they were tail-end wickets. And he got given the new ball on both occasions. So he got everything that he would have wanted as far as when to bowl and who to bowl at. And he just hasn’t had the penetration that you’ve expected from Anderson through such an amazing career.”

“So I must admit, I’d be very surprised if they do go ahead and play him at The Oval. If they do, you talk about this selection of Manchester being the sentimental one. I think now if they pick him at the Oval, that will be more sentimental than anything.

Ponting added England has the option of playing Josh Tongue, who impressed in the second Test match at Lord’s by picking five wickets.

“Because what I saw with Tongue at Lord’s, he was the pick of their bowlers in that game and then he’s gone straight back out. So I’d be very surprised if Anderson actually plays this last Test.”

Ponting’s predicted England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, Josh Tongue.

The fifth Ashes Test will be played at Kennington Oval from Thursday onwards.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024