James Anderson vs Aus 2013. (Photo Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
After the conclusion of an epic Ashes 2023, the English test team would be looking over the horizon and witnessing their five-match Test series against India rapidly approaching. It is worth noting that the Indian team will host England for a five-match Test series that is scheduled to begin on January 25, 2024.
With both sides boasting a plethora of talented players, many eyes could be on seasoned English pacer James Anderson. After being unable to perform at the best of his abilities at the Ashes 2023, Anderson would be raring to face off against India, and former English skipper Nasser Hussain was of a similar opinion.
Coming forward to talk about Anderson’s recent performances, Nasser Hussain opined that the 41-year-old has a terrific record against the Indian team. He also stated that despite the pacer being in the twilight of his career, his hunger for wickets remains evergreen.
“Jimmy’s got a very good record against India…and you need a balanced attack. You need that experience for younger players to come in. Listen, Jimmy’s had a bad or an average couple of months, but you are a fool if you’re writing off Jimmy Anderson. I spoke to him in an interview yesterday and he was like, the hunger is still there,” Nasser Hussain said in an episode of the ICC review.
“He’s already thinking about how to get back to his best. He’s already thinking about going back in the nets and working hard at his game and that’s a good sign for me that he’s still got that hunger. He’s, what, 10 wickets away from 700, and that will keep him going for a while yet,” he added.
You will need that experience of someone like Jimmy Anderson: Hussain
Furthermore, Nasser Hussain also stated Anderson’s importance in the English squad for their series against India. He opined that with Broad retiring and Chris Woakes’ record away from home, England will need someone with Anderson’s experience and repertoire if they are looking to run away with the Test series.
“I think especially with Broad going, I would like that experience (in India). Chris Woakes has stated that he’s not that keen anymore on playing away from home and his record’s not great away from home. We’ll see, he (Woakes) might change his mind. There’s been a lot of mind changes recently. But if you don’t have Woakes and you don’t have Broad, you will need that experience of someone like Jimmy Anderson,” Nasser Hussain said.