NEW DELHI: Legendary English pacer and team’s bowling mentor James Anderson has expressed firm backing for speedster Jofra Archer, indicating that he might be crucial in England’s bid to win back the Ashes in Australia in 2025-26.
Archer has been limited to white-ball matches since his return from a long-term elbow problem, with his last Test appearance dating back to February 2021.
However, Anderson believes the paceman would be vital to England’s Ashes efforts, provided he is both mentally prepared and physically fit to handle the rigours of Test cricket.
“If we can keep him fit, the Ashes is a definite opportunity. The only worry is whether the injuries have scared him away from Test cricket and he thinks: ‘Can my body cope?’ But if Jofra works hard enough, and he’s managed well, he would be huge for us in the Ashes,” Anderson told The Guardian.
England’s emphasis on developing a strong pace bowling unit has influenced Anderson’s decision to step away from international cricket, as the team builds a group of fast bowlers suited for Australian pitches.
In addition to Archer, Anderson discussed England’s talented group of pacers, including Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, and Matthew Potts, who could play significant roles in England’s bowling unit in 2025-26.
Anderson expressed admiration for Surrey’s Gus Atkinson, who made his debut in Anderson’s final match against the West Indies.
Atkinson demonstrated his abilities immediately, claiming 12 wickets in the series, with an outstanding seven-wicket performance in the first innings.
Anderson observed that Atkinson, who has secured 40 wickets across eight Tests, possesses comprehensive bowling skills.
“I think we’ve got enough experience with Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Archer potentially, and then the guys that are coming in.
Gus Atkinson has done really well, so have Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts. They’re getting experience all the time and if they’ve got 12 Tests under their belts that’s great. It doesn’t have to be 50 Tests,” Anderson added.
“He has got it all. Pace, skill and he picks up things really quickly. I’ve worked with him a little bit and he’ll say, ‘right, I want to learn an in-swinger’ and within 12 balls he’ll have it. That’s a great trait. He’s got amazing ability and a great temperament.”
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