Ashes 2017/18: James Anderson Unlikely to Get Much Movement in Perth - Cameron Bancroft

Australia’s latest Test player Cameron Bancroft feels England veteran James Anderson will be less likely to get the same swing and movement in Perth that made him “very, very damaging” during the second Ashes Test in Adelaide, which was a day-night affair. At the same time, the Australia opener said the right-arm pacer would still be handful on the WACA pitch early on.

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England was on the mat after conceding a massive 215-run lead in the first innings but clawed their way back into the game after Anderson’s heroics with the ball. England’s leading wicket-taker in Tests, who had gone 15 matches and 30 innings without picking up a five-wicket haul Down Under, ran through the Australian batting line-up, picking up five for 43 to help England bowl the hosts for a paltry 138.

His effort, nonetheless, went in vain, as the England batsmen failed to complement him and Australia managed to bowl the visitors out for 233 to seal the game by 120 runs to go two-nil up.

With the series now on the line, England would be hoping for another inspired performance from their pace spearhead, but Bancroft has insisted the 35-year old would find it tough to replicate his Adelaide heroics in the upcoming third Test.

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“When he’s able to swing the ball like that, he’s extremely hard work, and he’s very, very damaging,” Bancroft told reporters in Perth on Monday (December 11). “No matter what’s going on, it’s bloody hard work when the ball is swinging like that. You can have the best game plan in the world, but there can be a ball with your name on it,” he added.

Perth has lost the venom it was famous for in the past, but Bancroft said that the bowlers would get assistance on the ground early on.

“Always in the first session at the WACA it can be quite hard work, but like anything, if you’re willing to put in the hard yards early you can reap the rewards later in the game,” said Bancroft.

“It’s such a fast outfield that you don’t have to worry too much about scoring, the ball goes through the infield, and you instantly get two even if you don’t hit it really well. That’s the beauty of playing at the WACA,” he added.

The third Test gets underway on Thursday (December 14).

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