Ashes 2017-18: James Anderson Feels England are in the Right Trajectory Despite a 4-0 Pounding

The most successful English pacer and the vice-captain of the team James Anderson are of the opinion that the team doesn’t need to do anything different and is on the right track despite suffering a 4-0 series defeat to Australia. Anderson has been part of a couple of 5-0 whitewashes in Australia including the 2013-14 which led to the retirement of several English stars.

However, despite England not picking 20 wickets in a single match and with the batsmen scoring just 3 centuries throughout the series, the series was meant to be lost but Anderson feels that England was on the right trajectory.

“We have improved over the last 18 months. We’ve definitely made strides in the right direction,” the 35-year-old said after the tourists fell to an innings and 123-runs defeat in the fifth and final test in Sydney.

”It doesn’t feel like a series where it should be a big upheaval. We’ve actually played some good cricket along the way. We’ve not been blown away in every game. Every game has gone to the fifth day. It doesn’t feel like a completely disastrous series. We know we’ve got to improve in a number of areas.” He further added that the preparations were adequate for the series.

“I don’t know what we could have done differently. You can do all the preparation you want. We’ve worked tirelessly in the nets. We’ve planned very well, meticulously. But you can’t prepare for being out in the middle when the pressure is on.

“The only thing that can prepare you for that is being in it and we’ve not dealt with those pressure situations well with bat or ball and that’s been the difference in this series,” he further added. Meanwhile, Anderson hopes of being around for the next Ashes series in England next year as a 37-year-old.

“I‘m going to do everything I possibly can be to be ready for that series in 201. I‘m still hungry to play. I‘m delighted I’ve got through these five test matches and bowled pretty well,” Anderson said.

Anderson also thought Joe Root, who left his sick bed to try to save a draw on Monday, had been outstanding as captain.

Anderson lauded Root and said that he has been outstanding as a skipper. “

You ask any captain that has toured Australia, it is not an easy place to come, not an easy place to play, especially when you’re on the wrong end of results,” he said.

”I think the way he has carried himself is a real credit to himself. He’s been fantastic all the whole way through, a very level-headed guy.

“He’s not looked down at any stage and he’s led the guys brilliantly both on and off the field. He should be very proud of what he’s done this trip.”

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