Team England fast bowler James Anderson has been included in the playing 11 for the 5th and final Ashes test as England went no change in their team. Their right-arm fast bowler has taken only four wickets in three test matches so far and lacks rhythm and conviction. After being dropped for the Third test at Leeds, which was England’s only win so far in the series, he returned for the Fourth Test at his home ground in Manchester at the expense of Ollie Robinson. James Anderson had recently claimed that he has no plan to retire from a poor Ashes series at home. With his selection for the fifth Test, the team management has also shown a lot of faith in him. Many expected the veteran to be dropped in favor of Josh Tongue, who made a solid ashes debut during the Lord’s Test.
fans are now criticizing England’s lack of conviction when it comes to team selection and feel they are favoring prestige over form.
Here are some reactions;
England haven’t won and #Ashes match since 2015 whenever #JimmyAnderson planted.
This selection alone will be the difference between a 2-2 draw and a 3-1 loss.Jimmy is a legend but he is not there in this series. Leave him alone for now
— Alone Musk (@kuchnhihotayar) July 26, 2023
Josh Tongue in and Jimmy Anderson out. He is not bowling well at the moment, only took 1 wicket at his home ground
— Alan Breach (@AlanBreach3) July 26, 2023
A lot of sentimental stuff going on with Anderson. Yeah he is a legend but we are all surprised he is playing in this game. I will leave it at that because I don’t want to heavily criticise such a legend of the game.
— Stuart Hemmings (@colotbc) July 26, 2023
James Anderson Has 49 Wickets at The Oval in 15 Test Matches
The Oval, like Old Trafford, is one of the main places in England where James Anderson has not taken a five wickets haul. He has made 15 appearances at the venue and has taken 49 wickets at an average of 32.12. In the
In the last two appearances at the venue, Anderson has picked up just five wickets, the rest of the bowling unit Mark Wood and Chris Woakes, have been in good form since returning from injury. Stuart Broad has done we while Ben Stokes is unlikely to do much bowling as the sixth bowler in the playing 11.
Australia has taken a 2-1 lead in the series and has already retained the Ashes test match. England had a chance to make the final test potential series decider, but rain curtailed the final day and prevented them from completing the job.
England can still level the series 2-2 with a win in the final Test at The Oval, which begins on Thursday, July 27.