In three Test matches that James Anderson played in Ashes 2023, it has just had no impact at all: Michael Vaughan

James Anderson vs Australia 2023. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

The England team’s most experienced pacer James Anderson’s selection in the fourth game of the Ashes 2023 didn’t result in a prolific performance for the Ben Stokes-led side, as Australia retained the Ashes after the Manchester Test went into a draw. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan also questioned Anderson’s selection for the fourth Test and said the veteran pacer’s inclusion in the playing XI might have cost the home side the game.

The 41-year-old pacer was rested for the third Test, which England’s side won, but he made a comeback for the fourth Test. Vaughan pointed out that the English side should have looked towards Josh Tongue for the Old Trafford game. Eventually, in the game, the Three Lions went with the pace attack of Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, and Anderson.

“We all agreed that James Anderson deserved to have that sentimental pick because he’s a legend of the game, but it may have cost England, Josh Tongue is a young quick who has created impact in that one game that he has played, and I know the Australians don’t like facing him,” said Vaughan in the BBC’s Ashes Daily podcast.

“Jimmy, in the three Test matches that he’s played in this series, has just had no impact at all. I don’t remember him getting a key wicket at any stage and that’s very unlike Jimmy Anderson,” he further added.

James Anderson might not be in England’s best XI: Michael Vaughan

“We pick on Jonny [Bairstow] because he’s dropped a few chances but we’ve got to be honest: Jimmy Anderson has played three games and has had no impact at all in this series, and it might just be that for The Oval, he might not be in England’s best XI,” concluded the former England batter.

In the context of Anderson’s performance in the series, he took one wicket in the Manchester Test which was of Pat Cummins in his 20-over spell. Whereas in the series, the right-arm pacer managed only three wickets in the opening two games by giving away 226 runs.

Surely at this age, Anderson will be questioned for his selection if he doesn’t perform, but will the veteran pacer be dropped or will he take the retirement? Anderson can definitely make a comeback, but young pacers like Tongue are showing their presence, which will be add-on pressure for the veteran pacer to retain his place in the squad.

Speaking of Ashes 2023, the Pat Cummins-led side has retained the urn, as they avoided the loss in the fourth Test, which ended in a draw as rain spoiled Day 5. Currently, the visitors are leading the five-Test series 2-1. The final and fifth Test of the series will be played at the Oval, starting on July 27.