As final Ashes Test looms, Jimmy Anderson still has the hunger to perform for England
- Planet Sport writer
- 26 July 2023
Effervescent seamer James Anderson is still motivated to perform for England in the final Ashes Test at the Oval.
Is James Anderson set to bow out from Test cricket with a bang or with a whimper?
England have named an unchanged squad for the Test, where they are aiming to level the series against Australia, but veteran seamer Anderson has been under the microscope.
The 40-year-old has taken just four wickets at an average of 76.75 across the series, including one at his home ground Old Trafford last week, but he is still determined to keep giving his best for England.
Writing in his column for the
Daily Telegraph, Anderson said: "I have certainly not had the returns I would have liked in this series. Everyone goes through a lean patch, but you just do not want it to be in the most high-profile series we play.
"I keep talking to the coach and captain. They want me around, so as long as I am still hungry, want to put in the work, I will keep trying to give my best for the team.
"That is exactly where I am at the minute. I love playing Test cricket as much as I ever have and this is my favourite period as an England cricketer.
"If I was bowling horrendously, with my pace down and hobbling around in the field, I might be thinking differently. But the hunger is still there. I feel like I am bowling well, that I can still offer something to the team."
