AUS vs ENG: Watch - "Do You Still Want James Anderson?" - Ben Stokes Responds To Journo's Question

James Anderson turns 41 next Sunday and is part of the England squad announced for the fifth and final Test at The Oval. Australia lead the series 2-1 and have a chance to end the series on a draw if they win the fifth Test.

The veteran England pacer has just picked four wickets in three test matches at an average of 76.75. The likes of Cameron Green and Josh Tongue are ahead of him in the wickets list. He was rested for the third Test in Headingley that England won.

Anderson now has an opportunity to make up for his non-performance so far with a match-winning contribution in the final Test. England need to win at The Oval and none better than Anderson to steal the show from Australia.

While talking to the reporters in the pre-match press conference, Ben Stokes was asked whether he wants Anderson in his team who is willing to continue to play Test cricket as he turns 41. Stokes had a one-word answer to that saying “Yeah”.

The reporter further asked Stokes why he wants James Anderson in his team and what’s he offering him as a fast bowler.

Watch: Ben Stokes Comes Out In Full Support Of James Anderson

?️ “James Anderson said he wants to continue playing Test cricket beyond this series if you still want him… do you still want him?”

?️ “Yeah.”

Ben Stokes, never change ? pic.twitter.com/Z1nZL10NYF

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 26, 2023

The England skipper had an elaborate answer this time specifying why he wants Anderson to continue playing for England.

“He’s not offering me a lot as usual,” Stokes replied saying on a lighter note.

Look, he is quality man. I think he’s stick together with the guys in this series. Although he has not probably had the impact in the wickets he would have liked to in this series, he is a quality bowler, quality performer.

Backing his England teammate Ben Stokes further said ” Its not obviously like Jimmy has come under red flag for that. But if Joe hadn’t scored the runs you wouldn’t have question him about his position in the team as a batter,” Stokes said.

Stokes concluded by hailing Anderson as the greatest fast bowler to play the game.

“James Anderson is the greatest fast bowler to play the game. He is still looking as good as he was two years ago although he hasn’t had the impact that he would have liked to in this series,” concluded Stokes.

The fifth Test will be played at The Oval from July 27-31.

Also Read: AUS vs ENG: Harry Brook Feels A Draw In Ashes 2023 Will Be Lovely For England