Steve Harmison pinpoints England difference maker ahead of Australia Ashes clash

26 January 2023 , 16:22

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England legend Steve Harmison (Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Steve Harmison has hailed the longevity of James Anderson and believes the 40-year-old "could be the difference between England winning and losing the Ashes" this summer.

Anderson, who made his Test debut alongside Harmison back in 2003, is the most successful wicket-taking seamer in Test history and is showing no signs of slowing down. Since celebrating his 40th birthday in July, Anderson has taken 18 wickets at an average of 17.44 and is set to be involved in his tenth Ashes series later this year.

He and long-time bowling partner Stuart Broad were controversially axed following England's humiliating 4-0 defeat to Australia in the 2021-22 Ashes, but immediately recalled by new captain and coach Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. And Harmison believes the duo will be key if England are to regain the Ashes for the first time since 2015, with Anderson in particular a crucial figure.

"You've got an Ashes series coming up, five Tests in six weeks, and I still believe that for England to win the Ashes, the one man who is pivotal in all this and holding the bowling unit together is a 40-year-old," Harmison told OnlineCricketBetting.

"It's crazy to say that a 40-year-old could be the difference between England winning and losing the Ashes. If Jimmy performs, we could have someone over 40 win the series and England win the Ashes.

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"More often than not, it's about bowling and taking 20 wickets. To have [Stuart] Broad and Anderson back together again when Australia come over, even though I don't think they'll play in the same side.

James Anderson has taken 18 Test wickets at an average of 17.44 since turning 40 (Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

"Whether they ever play in the same side again, I think there are a few people questioning that. I'm one of them, I don't think they will play in the same side again. I think if you've got seven fast bowlers now who are fighting for three spots.

"Whether Broad and Anderson play together, I'm not so sure but it's great to have them available and around. If they do play in the same side, like they've proven for many many years, they'll do the job properly.

"But to see them still playing is an inspiration for any young player because of the length of their career and the greatness that they have the way they go on the field and conduct themselves. Their level of professionalism is one I don't think we'll see ever again."

Matthew Cooper