Andrew Strauss makes an honest assessment of out-of-form James Anderson
Chaithanya GCorrespondent
Posted - 2023-07-03T16:59:24+06:00
Updated - 2023-07-03T16:59:24+06:00
Australia beat England by 43 runs in the second Test and took a 2-0 lead in the series. Even a draw or win in the next Test will help the Aussies retain the urn. Taking their form and confidence levels into account, it very much seems that they will be the favourites to retain the Ashes.
Meanwhile, Andrew Strauss wants England to make changes in the bowling line-up and fix the leaks before heading into the third Test at Leed's which starts on July 6th. Strauss made an honest assessment of England paceman James Anderson who failed to make his presence count in the first two Tests.
James Anderson was expected to dictate the terms in the first two games in the home conditions. Needless to say, he couldn't pull tricks under his sleeve. He was able to take just three wickets in two games, which is not up to the standards, considering a player of his calibre.
Meanwhile, Andrew Strauss echoed that the problem for Anderson is that it has not swung by far in the Ashes series. "The problem for Anderson is that it hasn't swung so far this series. They are going to need some fresh blood in the bowling attack," former England skipper Strauss said on Sky Sports.
"I think (Joshua) Tongue added an extra dimension this week and I think (Mark) Wood will do exactly the same. I would be amazed if England went in with the same bowling attack. They looked flat on the first morning here [at Lords], like it was a hangover from Edgbaston," Strauss said after the conclusion of the Lord's Test.
After suffering two back-to-back defeats, Ben Stokes-led England cricket team will be looking forward to making a spirited comeback in an attempt to steer clear of humiliation at home.
England squad for third Ashes Test
Ben Stokes (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Moeen Ali, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood