England's legendary bowler Sir Jimmy Anderson has delivered a crucial reality check to Ben Stokes's squad ahead of the highly anticipated Ashes series, warning that Australia remain in their prime despite injury concerns.
Age is Just a Number
The first Test begins in Perth next week, where England will attempt to reclaim the Ashes and secure their first series victory on Australian soil since 2011. The hosts face a significant setback with leading bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to injuries.
This has led some commentators to suggest the Australian bowling attack is past its peak, but Anderson firmly dismissed this notion. Speaking at the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker stated: "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," Anderson emphasised. "Instead I see some guys that are in their primes."
Australia's Formidable Attack
Anderson highlighted the quality within the Australian squad, particularly praising their established pace trio. "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," he explained.
"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." Anderson's assessment serves as a clear message to England that complacency could prove costly against such experienced opponents.
England's Rising Star
While much attention focuses on Joe Root's quest for his first Ashes century in Australia, Anderson believes the spotlight should shift to Harry Brook. He backed the Yorkshire batsman to become England's cornerstone player for years to come.
"It's likely that Harry Brook will be England cricket's star for the next 10 to 15 years," Anderson predicted. "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."
This endorsement places significant expectation on Brook's shoulders as England prepare for their crucial Ashes campaign, beginning next week in Western Australia.
