James Anderson‘s performance in the Ashes series has been a cause for concern, and his lack of wickets on Day 1 of the final Test at The Oval has raised further scrutiny. As one of the most prolific bowlers in Test cricket history, expectations were high for the veteran cricketer to make a significant impact in the series, especially in crucial moments.
Anderson bowled seven overs on Day 1 of the last Test but he failed to pick up a wicket despite the helpful conditions in London. Even though, the Lancashire-born cricketer did not let Australian batters run away with it but bowled a few loose deliveries.
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Despite being the third leading wicket-taker in Test history with 689 wickets, the 40-year-old has been woeful in this series. Anderson has picked up only four wickets in 121 overs of bowling over four Tests at a dismal average of 82. This lean patch was particularly noticeable in the last two matches where the English stalwart struggled to find his rhythm.
Speaking to Cricbuzz after the end of Day 1, former England captain Michael Vaughan, called for Anderson, the champion pacer, to elevate his performance for England’s success in the final Test at The Oval.
“He is having no impact at the moment in this series. For England to win here, Jimmy Anderson has to find his rhythm. He has to get wickets. He is bowling ok without the wickets but not looking like getting wickets. Four wickets in over 120 overs in the series is not the Anderson that we know,” the cricketer-turned-commentator said.
The 48-year-old felt that Anderson becomes even more vital with Moeen Ali suffering a groin injury while batting.
“And with Moeen ( Ali) off the field, though Joe Root can bowl a bit of spin, the seamers will have to bowl more and more. So it’s important Anderson has that impact on the game,” Vaughan concluded.
The right-arm pacer has faced challenges when bowling against Australia throughout his career, as shown by his higher bowling average of 35.43 against the Ashes rivals compared to his overall average of 26.32.
