‘Can I see myself making the new ball talk at 41? Probably not’ – Pat Cummins in awe of Stuart Broad and James Anderson’s longevity

James Anderson and Stuart Broad (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Australian skipper Pat Cummins has praised James Anderson and Stuart Broad for the longevity of their careers. The star bowling duo of Broad and Anderson has been the epitome of England’s pace attack for almost two decades. However, in the Ashes 2023, Anderson missed the third Test but had now returned to the playing XI for the Manchester Test.

It is pertinent to mention that Anderson has picked up 686 wickets in 180 Test matches, whereas Broad has dismissed 598 batters in 165 Tests. Interestingly, the 37 years Stuart Broad after three Tests in the Ashes 2023, is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 16 wickets.

“Keeping them out there is always part of the conversation, not necessarily because of their age, but with most attacks the more overs you put into them, they can lose effectiveness,” Cummins was quoted as saying by the Mirror.

“Stuart Broad has obviously had a big workload this series, so we’re in no rush. Five days is a long time and hopefully that means giving them plenty of overs,” he further added.

Pat Cummins’ witty take on James Anderson and Stuart Broad’s bowling abilities – 

“But it’s an incredible feat for Jimmy to be at the top of his game, and still one of the world’s best bowlers, at 41 – and the same goes for Broad in his high thirties. That’s seriously impressive. Can I see myself making the new ball talk at 41? Probably not – I’m 30 and I feel 41,” the Australian skipper concluded.

However, in the five-game series, Australia is leading the Ashes 2023 by 2-1 where Ben Stokes-led England won the last game at Headingley. Both sides have made changes in their lineup; the home side brought James Anderson in place of Ollie Robinson, while the Aussies are going without any spin option in their bowling attack after dropping Todd Murphy from the Playing XI. The fourth Test at Old Trafford is set to begin on July 19.