Legendary England pacer and current bowling mentor James Anderson has thrown his weight behind Jofra Archer, suggesting the speedster could play a crucial role in England's quest to regain the Ashes in Australia in 2025/2026. Archer, who has endured a challenging period with injuries, has only played white-ball cricket since recovering from a persistent elbow injury and has not featured in a Test match since February 2021. However, Anderson sees the pacer as vital to England's Ashes. campaign – if he is willing and physically able to meet the demands of the red-ball game.
Speaking about Archer's potential, Anderson said: “If we can keep him fit, the Ashes is a clear opportunity. The only worry is whether the injuries have put him off Test cricket and he thinks, 'Can my body handle this?' But if Jofra works hard enough and he can do well, he would be of great importance to us in the Ashes,” Anderson told The Guardian.
England's current focus on building a formidable pace attack has also contributed to Anderson's own retirement from international cricket, as the team prepares a squad of fast players suited to Australian conditions.
In addition to Archer, Anderson highlighted England's promising group of fast bowlers, including Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts, all of whom could make crucial contributions to the England attack in 2025/2026.
Among the new generation of bowlers, Anderson praised Surrey's Gus Atkinson, who made his debut in the same match that saw Anderson out against the West Indies. Atkinson's impact was immediate, taking 12 wickets in the series, including a stunning seven-wicket haul in the first innings. Anderson noted that Atkinson, who has now collected 40 wickets in eight Tests, 'has everything.'
“I think we have enough experience with Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Archer and possibly the guys who come in.
“Gus Atkinson has done really well, as have Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts. They are gaining experience all the time and if they get 12 tests under their belt that's great. It doesn't have to be 50 tests.”
“He has it all. Speed, skill and he picks things up very quickly. I've worked with him a little bit and he'll say, 'Okay, I want to learn an in-swinger' and within twelve balls he'll have it. That's a great feature. He has great ability and a great temperament.”
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