England’s greatest ever bowler tells Ben Stokes & Co that Australia are in the prime – and should never be underestimated
Sir James Anderson has warned England that Australia are still in their prime heading into the Ashes showdown.
The biggest series in cricket will kick off in Perth on Friday, when England look to win back the Ashes and triumph Down Under for the first time since 2011.
The Aussies will go into the first Test without leading bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood due to injuries.
The blow has increased the belief in some quarters that the Aussie bowling attack is too old and over the hill. But Anderson reckons this is nonsense, and that England would be foolish to believe in such claims.
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England’s leading Test wicket taker of all time told William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award : “Throughout the latter stages of my career, I’ve been a big believer that age is just a number.
“When I look at that Australia team, I don’t see any old men, instead I see some guys that are in their primes.
“Yes, there’s only one guy under 30 years of age, but that doesn’t make a difference to me, as long as they’re fit enough to be able to play. The bowlers are incredible. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are three of the best that Australia have ever produced, and they can all bat as well.
“I honestly don’t think it matters how old they are. If they’re good enough, which they are, then they’ll still do well.”
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England’s chances of winning back the urn could depend on if Joe Root can pile on the runs and end his jinx of never having scored an Ashes century in Australia.
But Anderson believes the focus should be on Harry Brook instead, after backing the Yorkshireman to become England’s superstar over the next decade.
Anderson added: “It’s likely that Harry Brook will be England cricket’s star for the next 10 to 15 years.
“He’s already captain of the one-day team and he’s vice-captain of the Test team now. I can see him being an all-format captain – and potentially England’s best all-format cricketer.”
