Steve Smith will be Australia’s biggest asset with the bat in the upcoming Ashes series. To counter this, England’s greatest strength on the ball will be James Anderson. The series begins with the first test on June 16 at Edgbaston. The series will conclude with the fifth Test at the Oval from 27-31 July.
Before the start of the series, James Anderson spoke about Steve Smith and his love affair with England. The Australian leadoff batsman likes to bat against England and has scored loads of runs in the last two ashes series. He scored 774 runs in the 2019 series at an average of 110.57. He couldn’t replicate the same form but still he finished the series with 244 in five games with a 30.50 average.
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“I’ve never really liked to single out anyone, but he’s been very successful against us of late. Maybe in the past we’ve gone too far in thinking of ways to get people out.” Anderson told Smith to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The veteran pacer further said that England batsmen who played freely in the last 12 to 15 months have worked to his advantage.
We have done brilliantly in the last 12 months: James Anderson
“What we have done brilliantly in the last 12 months is think about what we do well. That has worked particularly well for hitters who don’t worry about who’s pitching to them, but really focus on their strengths and areas where they can score.” Anderson said.
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The veteran pacer also spoke about the importance of taking 20 wickets in the season. Anderson has played 179 Test matches and has taken 685 Test wickets. He can top 700 wickets in the next series.
We will focus on getting 20 wickets: James Anderson
“It’s the same for bowlers, I think. There might be an odd fielding position here and there, but generally we’ll just focus on ourselves and get 20 wickets in the game. It’s dangerous to look at one player too much when you’re up against a batting lineup like the Aussies.”
England have had a fabulous record under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum so far. They haven’t lost a single series under this new duo. England have also lost just two of their last 12 Tests.
Also read: Men’s Ashes 2023 kicks off June 16 in Edgbaston
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