Former England skipper Nasser Hussain reckons it will be foolish to write off veteran pacer James Anderson despite his poor recent form. The England experienced pacer didn’t have a great Ashes against Australia as he failed to deliver the goods. Anderson could only scalp five wickets in the four Test matches at a poor average of 85.40 against the arch-rivals.
The veteran fast bowler failed to hit the right areas and looked toothless during the whole series. While Anderson’s long-time partner Stuart Broad decided to hang his bowling boots at the end of the Ashes, the Lancashire pacer has decided to carry on as he still feels there is some fuel left in his tank.
Anderson recently turned 41 on 30th July but he wants to give one last push at the fag end of his career.
Hussain wants Anderson to be there for the upcoming India tour, especially in the absence of retired Stuart Broad.
“I think, especially with Broad going, I would like that experience (in India),” Hussain shared during an episode of The ICC Review.
Anderson has picked six five-wicket hauls against India and has an average of 29.32 while playing in the tough Indian conditions.
“Jimmy’s got a very good record against India and you need a balanced attack,” Hussain said.
“You are a fool if you’re writing off Jimmy Anderson,” Hussain said.
Anderson has had a glorious career as he has scalped 690 wickets in 183 Test matches at an average of 26.42. Ergo, he is 10 wickets away from becoming the first fast bowler to take 700 wickets in Test matches.
India will host England for five Test matches, starting January 25 in 2024. Hyderabad, Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamsala will be the venues for the Test matches.