James Anderson bemoans first Ashes Test performance saying Edgbaston pitch was like 'kryptonite' for him
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Published 23/06/2023 at 10:32 GMT
James Anderson struggled to have any joy in the first Ashes Test against Australia. His first innings dismissal of Alex Carey was the only success England's all-time Test wicket taker had with the ball. Reflecting on his performance, Anderson has admitted he could be in trouble for the rest of the summer if the pitches do not offer more assistance in the remaining four matches.
James Anderson
Image credit: Getty Images
James Anderson says the Edgbaston pitch was like “kryptonite” for him in the first Ashes Test and admits he may struggle to make an impact if the pitches do not improve during the series.
England’s all-time leading Test wicket taker removed just one Australian batsman during a two-wicket defeat for the hosts in Birmingham.
Anderson also proved fairly expensive, with Australia gaining 109 runs from his bowling.
With so much hype surrounding the eagerly anticipated series, the Lancashire seamer was disappointed with his return.
Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Anderson said: “This is an Ashes series. It is a big deal. When you play on a flat pitch like the one at Edgbaston and take a wicket, a bit more emotion does come out because you have worked extra hard for it.
“That pitch was like kryptonite for me. There was not much swing, no reverse swing, no seam movement, no bounce and no pace. I’ve tried over the years to hone my skills so I can bowl in any conditions but everything I tried made no difference.
"I felt like I was fighting an uphill battle.
“It’s a long series and hopefully, I can contribute at some point, but if all the pitches are like that I’m done in the Ashes series."
The second Test starts at Lord’s on Wednesday.
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James Anderson was not a fan of the Edgbaston pitch during the first Ashes Test
Image credit: Getty Images
Anderson’s preparations for the Ashes were far from ideal after injuring his groin while playing for Lancashire in May.
This led to him missing out on the warm-up fixture against Ireland, before being thrust straight back into England’s bowling attack for the first Test with Australia.
Speaking about his physical condition, Anderson said: “There was a bit of rustiness but I gave it everything I could. Having played for a long time, I realise you can’t take wickets every game. Sometimes it is not your week. It felt like that for me.
“I know I wasn’t on top of my game this week. It was not my best performance. I know I have more to offer and contribute to the team.
“The body felt quite good. There is some stiffness but I put that down to the unique conditions. We were running in on a very soft outfield then landing on a rock-hard pitch and that takes its toll on the body more than normal. All the bowlers were feeling that a bit.”
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