England vice-captain James Anderson urges that there is no need to throw any player out from the squad as the team is moving towards the right direction despite a heart-crushing defeat by 4-0 in the Ashes down under.
England has played well throughout this series against Australia but failed to win the key moments in every game. From Brisbane Test to the contest in Melbourne, every Test was once been in English team’s favor.
Talking about his team’s progress, Anderson said “We have improved over the last 18 months. We’ve definitely made strides in the right direction. It doesn’t feel like a series where it should be a big upheaval. We’ve actually played some good cricket along the way. We’ve not been blown away in every game.”
“Every game has gone to the fifth day. It doesn’t feel like a completely disastrous series. We know we’ve got to improve in a number of areas.”
There were several points which halted England camp badly either it was Ben Stokes’ brawl outside a nightclub or Jonny Bairstow’s headbutt to Cameron Bancroft.
Ace fast bowler didn’t give any excuse behind the series loss and quoted “I don’t know what we could have done differently. You can do all the preparation you want. We’ve worked tirelessly in the nets. We’ve planned very well, meticulously. But you can’t prepare for being out in the middle when the pressure is on. The only thing that can prepare you for that is being in it and we’ve not dealt with those pressure situations well with bat or ball and that’s been the difference in this series.”
Anderson has played seven Ashes series so far and has managed a place in the history book of this rivalry. Despite being 35 years old, he wishes to play another series in his backyard during 2019 English summer.
“I’m going to do everything I possibly can be to be ready for that series in 2019. I’m still hungry to play. I’m delighted I’ve got through these five test matches and bowled pretty well,” he added.
While concluding, he praised Joe Root’s captaincy in his first overseas tour, who tried his level best to avoid a series loss with the bat but couldn’t touch a three-figure mark despite getting five fifties. “You ask any captain that has toured Australia, it is not an easy place to come, not an easy place to play, especially when you’re on the wrong end of results. I think the way he has carried himself is a real credit to himself. He’s been fantastic all the whole way through, a very level-headed guy,” Anderson explained.
“He’s not looked down at any stage and he’s led the guys brilliantly both on and off the field. He should be very proud of what he’s done this trip.”
