ENG vs AUS: "He's A Legend Of The Game, But It May Have Cost England" - Michael Vaughan On James Anderson
Published - 24 Jul 2023, 03:08 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM
Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that veteran pacer James Anderson’s selection cost the team the fourth Test against Australia in the Ashes 2023 series. Michael Vaughan highlighted that James Anderson didn’t make an impact with the ball in the three matches he played.
James Anderson was named in the playing XI for the fourth Test after missing the previous match. The 40-year-old picked up only one wicket at his home ground, Old Trafford, in Manchester. The right-arm pacer picked up just three wickets in the first two Tests of the ongoing tournament.
James Anderson Has No Impact – Michael Vaughan
Michael Vaughan highlighted that James Anderson deserved respect for his contribution to the national team, but his inclusion may have cost the England team.
“We all agreed that James Anderson deserved to have that sentimental pick this week because he’s a legend of the game, but it may have cost England.
In the three games Anderson has played he’s had no impact at all. I don’t remember him picking up a key wicket. It’s not like him at all,” Vaughan told BBC.
The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that Josh Tongue could’ve made more impact in the fourth Test, highlighting his performance in the second Test in the series.
“Josh Tongue is a young quick who has created impact in the one Test I played. I know Australia don’t like facing him,” he added.
Josh Tongue was included in the playing XI for the second Test match at Lord’s. The right-arm pacer picked up five wickets across two innings in the match. However, the selectors dropped him from the next game.
The Ben Stokes-led team missed the chance to win the ongoing series after the fourth game ended in a draw. The final match between the two teams will be played at the Oval in London starting on Thursday, July 27.
