Cricket

Ashes 2023: England are a better team with James Anderson – Moeen Ali

England all-rounder Moeen Ali believes the hosts are a better team with their veteran fast bowler James Anderson in the playing XI. Anderson has replaced injured Ollie Robinson for the fourth Ashes Test match against Australia.

The experienced pacer was dropped from the team’s final XI in the third Test match at Leeds, Headingley, which England went on to win by three wickets. Anderson could only take three wickets in the first two Test matches and bowled with a poor average of 75.33.

After picking a solitary wicket at Edgbaston, Anderson admitted that the pitch was his kryptonite as it was flat and there was hardly any help for the fast bowlers.

Moeen Ali said in the pre-match press conference, “There’s no doubt England are a better team with James Anderson in there. In the two games he played I actually thought he bowled really well in both of them. I think he’s been a bit unfortunate with catches and things probably not going his way.

“Being the best bowler England have ever had and being a legend of a player and a great guy as well, it’s great to see him have the opportunity to play, it could be his last one, and hopefully he bowls well and gets us the win.”

Meanwhile, England promoted Harry Brook to number three in the first innings of the third Test match. But as Brook was dismissed cheaply, the team decided to promote Moeen Ali to one down position in the second essay in the run-chase of 251. Ali admitted it is a challenge to bat at three against a formidable bowling line-up of Australia and also feels number five position is more suitable for Harry Brook.

“It’s obviously going to be a challenge batting No 3 against Australia with the best bowling attack in the world,” Moeen said. “I’m looking forward to it. I think Brook is a great player and will be a great player. I just personally feel like five is great for him and the impact he can have at five is much more than what he can probably do at three, at the moment.

“I’m not saying he won’t be a good No.3 I just feel right now for the team it’s probably best that I go three. I do enjoy batting three, the challenge of batting three. I think for the team right now it’s the best thing. I’m looking forward to playing against these guys and getting challenged. I know it’s not easy because they are obviously very good.”

The fourth Ashes Test will be played at Old Trafford from 19th July onwards.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

LeBron James opens up on new All-Star Game format, says something had to change

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opened up on new All-Star Game format. James,… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sunil Chhetri reveals how leadership onus helped him in his career

India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has had a glorious career as he has ticked the… Read More

December 20, 2024

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal ruled out for rest of the season due to knee injury

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal has been ruled out of the rest of the… Read More

December 20, 2024

Christopher Clarey sheds lights on Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray alliance, says Serb has always tapped into smart, high-level tennis players

Renowned Tennis journalist Christopher Clarey has shed light on Novak Djokovic appointing Andy Murray as… Read More

December 20, 2024

Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim has no regrets after dropping Marcus Rashford

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted he has no regrets after dropping Marcus… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sanju Samson reveals how Gautam Gambhir gave him clarity and confidence

India’s wicket-keeper bat Sanju Samson has revealed head coach Gautam Gambhir has played an instrumental… Read More

December 20, 2024