ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023 Test series: James Anderson, the most experienced bowler in the current England Test team, is highly disappointed after his team’s heartbreaking loss in the opening Test of England vs Australia Ashes 2023 Test series. Anderson, who usually troubles batters with his lethal pace and swing even at this age, wasn’t in top form in 1st Test and ended with shambolic bowling figures of 1-109 in the Ashes opener. The veteran pacer was able to pick only one wicket with the new ball and later wasn’t used by captain Ben Stokes in the crucial final session of the 5th day of the Ashes opener in Edgbaston.

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Anderson got only one wicket in the form of Alex Carey in both innings. He bagged his only wicket in the first innings. In the second innings, Anderson had to return empty-handed, one of the main reasons behind England’s defeat. Australia won the match by 2 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

“I’ve tried over the years to hone my skills so I can bowl in any conditions but everything I tried made no difference. I felt like I was fighting an uphill battle. It’s a long series and hopefully I can contribute at some point, but if all the pitches are like that I’m done in the Ashes series,” wrote Anderson in his column for The Daily Telegraph on Friday.

With England 1-0 down, they need their leading pacer to return back in form as soon as possible. Ahead of ENG vs AUS 2nd Ashes 2023 Test on June 28, Anderson said he is focused on giving his best.

“I know I wasn’t on top of my game this week. It was not my best performance. I know I have more to offer and contribute to the team. I want to make up for it at Lord’s and all I can do is turn up on Sunday and prepare to play.”

James Anderson close to taking 700 Test wickets

James Anderson has so far played 180 Test matches in his career, in which he has taken 686 wickets at an average of 26.11. He is just 14 wickets away from completing 700 wickets in his Test career. If this happens, Anderson will become the first-ever pacer to take 700 wickets in Test cricket.