'He's Not At His Best...': Ricky Ponting Backs England Veteran To Bounce Back In Ashes 2023
James Anderson has grabbed just two wickets so far in Ashes 2023
Former Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, has offered his assessment of James Anderson's performance in the ongoing Ashes 2023, noting that the seasoned pacer has yet to reach his peak form. However, Ponting believes that the veteran cricketer will soon rediscover his rhythm and deliver notable performances.
Ricky Ponting has backed James Anderson to bounce back
Anderson, so far, has managed to secure a mere two wickets across three innings at an abysmal average of 81.00 which doesn’t sit well with his usual lofty standards. The first Ashes Test concluded with Anderson failing to claim a single wicket, and his impact in the second Test was subdued despite favourable conditions of overcast weather and a grassy pitch—a combination that typically allows him to display his swing bowling artistry.
While speaking on ICC Review, Ponting stated that one should never underestimate champions. Acknowledging Anderson's status as a true champion of the sport, he asserted that the seasoned campaigner will continue to dominate until he decides to retire.
The legendary captain further reckoned that Anderson's impressive repertoire of skills remains intact, although he acknowledged that the bowler himself may feel that he is not currently performing at his peak.
"You never write off champions. That's one thing I know about the game. James Anderson has been a champion of the game and will continue to be until he wants to pull up stumps. Skill wise, it still looks like it's all there. But I think he, within himself, feels like he's probably not quite at his best right now,” said Ponting.
It is worth mentioning that ahead of the Ashes 2023, Anderson encountered a minor injury during the County Championship which resulted in him being unable to secure a place in the playing XI for the solitary Test against Ireland.
Notably, the 40-year-old had expressed his dissatisfaction with the Edgbaston pitch during the first Test and openly admitted his current search for rhythm within the context of the series.
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