Ashes 2023: James Anderson has looked like the most disappointing England bowler so far – Ricky Ponting

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting feels England’s veteran pacer James Anderson has looked like the most disappointing bowler thus far in the ongoing Ashes. Anderson, who has all the experience under his belt, has failed to make any kind of impact against Australia.

The veteran has found neither swing nor any rhythm in his bowling as he has looked toothless after recovering from injury. The 40-year-old has scalped only three wickets in two Ashes Test matches at an average of 75.33.

In fact, Anderson had admitted the first Test pitch at Edgbaston, which was lifeless for the fast bowlers, was his kryptonite. Anderson has failed to trouble the Australian batters with the new ball as he hasn’t been at his absolute best.

Ponting feels Ollie Robinson, who has scalped 10 wickets in two Test matches, has bowled better than James Anderson as he has shown more control in his bowling.

Ricky Ponting said on ICC Review, “He (Anderson) looked like the most disappointing bowler for England so far,” Ponting said. “What you expect from James Anderson is when he’s got that new ball in his hand, he’s taking early wickets, he’s moving the ball, and he’s not going for any runs. We haven’t seen that in the series so far.

“And that’s not a direct criticism of James Anderson. He’s been one of the all-time greats of the game, his longevity and his wicket-taking ability, but if I was looking at the bowlers I saw last week, I think he’s the one that’s looked to have the least penetration.

“(Ollie) Robinson’s had less penetration, but he’s probably actually bowled a bit better. He’s been in control of the game more than Anderson has.

Meanwhile, England all-rounder Moeen Ali missed the second Test match at Lord’s due to a finger injury. Josh Tongue, who replaced Ali in the XI, scalped a total of five wickets. Ponting added it would be interesting to note England’s call on the all-rounder for the third Test match.

“They’ve still got a few questions there with Moeen. Do they risk going into the game again and having the same (injury) happen?

“I doubt that he would have bowled enough between the end of Edgbaston and the start of Headingley for them to be 100 percent convinced that he’s going to be physically right to bowl a lot of overs in a Test match. It could get down to the stage where they’re bowling last at Headingley and they might need someone like him to bowl 25 or 30 overs in an innings.”

The third Ashes Test will be played at Leeds, Headingley from Thursday onwards.