11 July 2023 , 08:06
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James Anderson has told Ben Stokes he will have "no complaints" if he's not recalled to the England side for the Old Trafford Test.
England must beat rivals Australia in Manchester to keep their hopes of regaining the Ashes alive. The Aussies won the first two Tests of the series at Edgbaston and Lord's, but England halved their lead with a three-wicket victory at Headingley on Sunday.
Anderson, who turns 41 later this month, was 'rested' at Headingley after taking a combined total of three wickets at Edgbaston and Lord's. Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum have been urged to omit Anderson again after England's attack impressed in Leeds.
That would be a huge decision, as Anderson is one of the greatest cricketers of all time. The Burnley swinger is England's leading wicket taker in Test and ODI cricket. No pace bowler in the history of the game has taken more Test wickets than him (688).
Old Trafford is also Anderson's home ground and the Lancashire fans will be keen for him to play. Anderson even has an end named after him, such is his legendary status. Yet the veteran will not cause Stokes and McCullum any problems if he's left out again.
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In his column for The Telegraph, Anderson claims Stokes and McCullum will not select him just because they want to see "Jimmy Anderson bowl at the Jimmy Anderson End".
He added: "They will pick the strongest team to compete with Australia that particular week. I am completely happy with whatever they decide.
"I know I am not guaranteed to play the next Test and I will completely understand if they want to stick with the winning team. The selection side is out of my hands. I just make sure that I am in a good place and ready to play."
Anderson also admitted he was "too serious and too intense" during the first two Tests of the series and has promised to "go out with a smile on my face" if he gets the nod at Old Trafford. He also feels "good" both "mentally and physically" after being rested.
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Stokes and McCullum face a number of selection dilemmas. There are calls for England to name an unchanged XI for the Old Trafford Test, which starts in eight days' time. Chris Woakes deserves to keep his place after taking six wickets and hitting the winning runs.
If fit, Mark Wood is almost certain to feature after his Player of the Match performance at Headingley, taking seven wickets and scoring 40 precious runs. Stuart Broad will also be confident of retaining his spot in XI as the talismanic leader of England's attack.
Ollie Robinson is the most likely to miss out after picking up a back injury at Headingley. He's struggling for form and isn't best suited to Old Trafford's quick and bouncy pitch. The quicker Josh Tongue is - and he'll be competing with Anderson for a spot in the XI.
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