Veteran English pacer James Anderson recently said that England”s heroics at the World Cup will not overshadow their battle to retain the urn in the upcoming Ashes series. With just hours away from the start of the 1st Test match at Edgbaston, the Three Lions will look to tame the Australian side at home.
England to start fresh following white-ball success
England”s successful World Cup campaign ended just two and half weeks back and they have already survived in a Test match against Ireland. Fatigue might well be a factor for the hosts but the side has ruled out such notions.
“For some of us this is the start of our international summer and it”s our job to keep the energy going as a team,” the 37-year-old said.
Anderson on the WC hangover
It won”t be surprising to witness a little bit of the World Cup hangover in the English dug-out once they host Australia in the 1st Test. “Some lads may feel a little bit jaded after a really grueling tournament so it”s up to us to refocus on Test cricket.”
“Some guys are trying to get their heads around winning a World Cup and then having to switch to a big Ashes series, which might be difficult for them at the minute.” admitted Anderson, the leading wicket-taker for England in Tests and international cricket.
Back after nursing a calf injury
Anderson didn”t feature in the one-off Test match against Ireland as he was nursing a calf injury. But he would be raring to take the field against the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner. Australia seemed pretty happy after having a look at the Edgbaston wicket-which gave an impression of a hard surface. For England, Jofra Archer will sit out while Jason Roy is set to play his maiden Ashes series.
England”s tentative top-order
The English batting order will revolve around skipper Joe Root. And some feel the batter should bat No.3 in order to consume the challenge against the new ball. The top-order may well look fragile against a top-class Australian pace attack.
The hosts have tried 11 different combinations when it comes to the top 3 slots. Australia, on the other hand, will play by the rules of horses of courses. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood might not be seen together in the near future. The decision has been taken in order to extend their respective careers. James Pattinson or Peter Siddle will be up for the job. Both have spent time in the cold for a while.