AUS vs ENG: Will Be Happy With Team's Decision! James Anderson Unbothered With Getting Dropped From Playing XI In Manchester Test

Published - 11 Jul 2023, 07:25 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

James Anderson (Image Credit: Twitter)

England pacer James Anderson has said that he is not bothered with getting dropped in the forthcoming ENG vs AUS 4th Test in Manchester. The right-arm pacer said that he will be happy with the team’s decision for playing XI in the next game.

James Anderson was dropped from England’s playing XI in the previous Test at Headingley. The right-arm pacer came up with a dismal show in the first two games, hunting 3 wickets. Mark Wood, who replaced Anderson in the 3rd Test, scalped 7 wickets to drive England to their maiden victory in Ashes 2023.

I Am Completely Happy With Whatever Team Decides: James Anderson

In his column for The Telegraph, James Anderson wrote that he will be completely happy if the team does not pick him in the playing XI in the next game. However, the 40-year-old also noted that he will be ready to play.

“They will pick the strongest team to compete with Australia that particular week. I am completely happy with whatever they decide. I know I am not guaranteed to play the next Test and I will completely understand if they want to stick with the winning team. The selection side is out of my hands. I just make sure that I am in a good place and ready to play,” Anderson wrote.

Mark Wood won the man of the match award in Headingley Test for hunting 7 wickets and smashing 24 and 16* with the bat. The right-arm pacer is highly likely to be picked in the next Test as well.

Other than Mark Wood, Stuart Broad is also expected to retain his place in the playing XI. Ollie Robinson has an injured back and might be out of the next game due to form issues. Josh Tongue and James Anderson will be in the fray for the next Test, in addition to bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “I Am Just Going Through A Lean Patch” – James Anderson On His Underwhelming Performance In The Ongoing Ashes 2023

Interestingly, Manchester is the home ground of James Anderson and fans will be eager to watch him play in the 4th Test. The Old Trafford Stadium also has a stand named after Anderson. However, England also needs to grab their best playing XI in the next match.

Also Read: Harry Brook At No.3, James Anderson Dropped; England Set For Big Changes In 3rd Test – Reports

Australia Needs One More Win To Grab Ashes 2023 Trophy

The Ben Stokes-led side needs to win the 4th Test at any cost to retain chance of winning Ashes 2023. Australia already has a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. One more victory for Australia means the visitors will grab the trophy. England vs Australia 4th Test begins on July 19 (Wednesday) at Emirates Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester.