‘I do not look too far ahead’ – James Anderson keen to improve form after quiet start in Ashes 2023

James Anderson. (Photo Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

After having a rough time in Ashes 2023 so far, many expected James Anderson to take a break from the third Test at Headingley to make his return in Manchester. However, the veteran pacer is wanting to feature in the playing XI and not looking too far ahead.

The 40-year-old has picked up only three wickets so far in the series and skipper Ben Stokes did not trust him with the new ball on Day 5 of the first Test at Edgbaston. The cricketer could not make much impact in the second Test at Lord’s and his future in the longest format of the game is under question. Nevertheless, Anderson cleared the air saying that he is not thinking about the future and concentrating on getting better for the third match.

“I am not thinking about the future. The future for me is just thinking about Thursday and the start of the next Test. That is as far ahead as I will look. I have said it before, even when doing well, that I do not look too far ahead,” Anderson wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

Cannot remember having two such quiet games in a row for the past 10 years: James Anderson

Considered one of the greatest ever in the longest format of the game, Anderson stated that he can’t recall having two poor games in a row in the last 10 years. Under the leadership of Stokes and Brendon McCullum, Anderson has done a tremendous job in the past 12 months, helping the team win against South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and India.

“I will be honest. You want to contribute in the big series and I cannot remember having two such quiet games in a row for at least the past 10 years. But I do not think I am bowling particularly badly; I am just going through a lean patch, which you do not want to happen in an Ashes,” Anderson mentioned.