One of England's most celebrated fast bowlers, a man who became public enemy number one for Australian cricket fans, has delivered a stunning forecast for the upcoming Ashes battle.
From Villain to Pundit
James Anderson, whose career was defined by his fiery Ashes contests, has shocked followers by tipping Australia for victory in the series commencing on November 21 in Perth. The man Australian crowds loved to hate for his relentless accuracy and swing bowling, which secured him 117 Ashes wickets, now provides a pundit's view that favours the old enemy.
Anderson's status as England's chief antagonist was cemented during epic encounters, most notably the 2013 Trent Bridge Test where his bowling sealed a nail-biting 14-run win for England. His heated rivalry with former Australian captain Michael Clarke, including Clarke's infamous 'get ready for a broken f***ing arm' sledge, solidified his role as the bowler Aussie fans most wanted to see fail.
A Surprising Verdict with Caveats
Despite his history, Anderson's analysis is clear. 'I just think that Australia have been so strong, and so consistent in their team selection over the last 10 years, that this probably is their weakest team [in the last 15 years]', Anderson stated. He concluded, 'I think they probably just edge out England in terms of being favourites, but I don't think there's much in it. It's a tough one to call, so I'd say Australia, just.'
However, his prediction comes with a significant twist. Anderson was quick to point out the vulnerabilities within the Australian camp that England could potentially exploit. 'There are doubts around who's going to bat in the top three, Pat Cummins missing is huge, for at least the first Test,' he added, highlighting the absence of the Australian skipper.
Cracks in the Australian Armour
The Australian team appears more unsettled than on previous English tours. Key concerns identified by Anderson include:
- A lack of clarity in the batting order.
- The potential Test debut of opener Jake Weatherald.
- The confirmed absence of captain Pat Cummins for the opening match in Perth.
'I just think that there are question marks there, definitely, and there are cracks that England could potentially expose,' Anderson warned. Yet, he tempered this by acknowledging the enduring quality in the side, naming batsmen like Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Travis Head as major threats, and noting the strength of the bowling attack even without Cummins.
This analysis from England's long-time bowling spearhead sets the stage for a fascinating and potentially very tight Ashes contest, where perceived weaknesses could be the deciding factor.
