AUS vs ENG: "Could Be James Anderson's Last Hurrah" - Mark Butcher On Ashes 2023 5th Test

Former England cricketer Mark Butcher talked about James Anderson’s future for the national side. He said that the ongoing fifth Test of the Ashes 2023 at The Oval in London will decide his career and if he doesn’t contribute here this could be his last hurrah.

James Anderson has been under a lot of scanner of late for his performances in the ongoing Ashes 2023. The veteran pacer was expected to play a huge role in the series but it’s fair to say that he has been the biggest disappointment for England.

James Anderson has struggled with his lines and lengths in this series and has failed to make a big impact. The veteran pacer picked just three wickets in the first two games and then was rested for the third game in Headingley. He made a return to the team in rain washed-out 4th game, replacing Ollie Robinson.

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The fast bowler looked in a bit of touch but wasn’t rewarded enough as he managed just one wicket in the 4th Test as well. Coming into the final Test of the series, there were a lot of speculations about whether James Anderson will make it into the 11 or not.

But England backed him and retained him in the team for the final game. Even skipper Ben Stokes showed confidence in his pacer and hailed him as the greatest-ever fast bowler to have played the game.

Mark Butcher also said that he would’ve backed James Anderson for the final Test and pointed out that the pacer showed signs of returning to form in the last game at Manchester. Speaking to Sky Sports, he explained:

“I probably would’ve stayed the same. Given that they didn’t have the chance to try and go out there push for the win at Old Trafford. There were signs that lines and lengths were coming back, there was a tiny little moment for Jimmy and the captain has given him the most ringing endorsement you can have, ‘the greatest seam bowler to have ever the great.’ That is Ben Stokes pumping up Jimmy Anderson.”

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AUS vs ENG: Could Be Jimmy’s Last Hurrah – Mark Bucther Feels Oval Test Will Decide James Anderson’s Fate

Mark Butcher further went on to say that with conditions expected to be cloudy in Oval, James Anderson could make a mark. But if he doesn’t then England will have to think about taking him to India for the next series. He elaborated:

“James Anderson could come into the game at the Oval due to conditions, which are expected to be cloudy. And if he doesn’t then you got the next question, which will be is this potentially Jimmy Anderson’s last Test match? The next series for England is gonna be in January in India. Are they gonna wanna take 42-year-old James Anderson down there on pitches that will favour spin bowlers? This could be Jimmy’s last hurrah.”

The ongoing fifth Test might well be a make or break for James Anderson. He recently ruled out his retirement plans and it remains to be seen if he makes an impact in the last game or not.

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