Ashes 2023 | Will James Anderson Play The 4th Test? Ben Stokes Answers
Anderson has been dropped from the third Test squad [Source: AP]
Dropping someone of James Anderson's calibre is not easy. However, given the bowler's performance in the ongoing Ashes 2023, England have left out their highest wicket-taker for the third Test against Australia, starting today at Headingley.
Anderson has managed a solitary wicket in two Tests, prompting Ben Stokes and Co. to introduce Mark Wood into the XI for the Headingley Test, apart from bringing in Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes.
Speaking about Anderson, Stokes said the swing bowler would likely be back for the fourth Test, which starts on July 19 at his home ground Old Trafford in Manchester.
As quoted by The Mirror, the Three Lions skipper welcomed Wood into the XI on the eve of the third Test.
Here's what Stokes said
"It's great to have Woody fit. He’s firing and really ready to go this week and I’m looking forward to seeing him get going. We were very open and honest and clear with each other before the series started that it's going to be very tough to ask the bowlers to play every game this summer."
"It's a good chance for Jimmy to rest up and then get ready to charge in from the Jimmy Anderson End at Old Trafford next week."
Interestingly this will be the first Test between England and Australia after 6,037 days that both Anderson and Nathan Lyon will not feature in an Ashes match.
The last time this happened was back in 2006 when England toured Australia and lost 0-5.
 "Vishal Mehra")
