James Anderson And Stuart Broad Will Feature in Ashes 2019, Says Ian Botham

Former English all-rounder Ian Botham has backed England’s pace duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad to make it to the 2019 Ashes competition. Both the bowlers have already engraved their names in English Test history after becoming most successful bowlers of all time.

With England hosting both ICC World Cup and Ashes next year, the stakes are high right now. And the duo will play a major role in English cricket over the next 12 months.

While speaking about the prospect of having both Anderson and Broad, veteran Botham revealed the duo should play at least Ashes next year.

”I’m not at all worried about them for this series (against India), in the long-term you’d have to think about it . Both of them would want to play against Australia after the World Cup 2019. They would be itching to have a go at the Aussies. Yeah! Most things start getting better with age,” Botham said.

Botham was one of the best players to ever play for England, as he contributed with both bat and ball. He was an indispensable part of the team back in his playing days.

However, asked about the prospect of Anderson and Broad retiring at the same time, he believes they will not retire at once.

Also, the former cricketer Ian Botham highlighted the level of success both Anderson and Broad have had against Australia in the past and they would want to continue in the Ashes 2019.

”No.. You have to understand there is the world cup and then there is the series against Australia. England should look to keep that side together, keep that side fit. Provided they stay fit and they can bowl, why would you want to leave out two guys who’ve got around 950 wickets together? Also, they’ve got the wood over a couple of the Australian players and they would be very pleased not to see them in action. So, I won’t be thinking anything in this respect till after the Ashes,” he maintained.

Both the cricketers have played an incredible part in England’s resurgence to the top in Test cricket. In their glittering careers so far, Anderson and Broad had 540 and 417 Test wickets respectively. Incidentally, they are also the highest wicket-takers for England ever.

James Anderson, Stuart Broad Crucial Against India:

After an even limited-overs series against India, England as a unit is determined to stamp their authority in the longest format. The English team lost 4-0 to India back in the 2016-17 season away and are looking for redemption this summer.

Both the teams are evenly balanced and the five-game Test series is going to be an exciting affair for the cricket fans. However, if England wants to beat the No.1 Test side in the world then their star pacers needs to deliver once again. Anderson has had plenty of success against India over the course of his season.

He along with Broad needs to break the resilience of India’s top order which could help them clinch the series.