Ashes 2023: Would be surprised to see England pick James Anderson for Oval Test, says Ricky Ponting

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has said he would be surprised if England decide to pick James Anderson for the fourth Test match at Kennington Oval, London. Anderson has been below-par for the home team, picking up only four wickets in three Ashes Test matches at an average of 76.75.

Anderson once again looked toothless as he scalped a solitary wicket in the fourth Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester, which ended in a draw after persistent rain on the last two days. The veteran fast bowler has not bowled with rhythm and has also failed to find swing, which has always been his strength over the years.

“He has lacked penetration right through the series, James Anderson so it’s going to be a really interesting decision, I think, from England now going into this last Test,” Ponting noted in the latest episode of ICC Review.

In fact, Anderson doesn’t have a great record while playing at Kennington Oval as he has scalped 49 wickets in 15 Test matches at an average of 32.12 while playing at the venue.

“He might have picked up wickets the other day and they were tail-end wickets. And he got given the new ball on both occasions. So he got everything that he would have wanted as far as when to bowl and who to bowl at. And he just hasn’t had the penetration that you’ve expected from Anderson through such an amazing career.”

“So I must admit, I’d be very surprised if they do go ahead and play him at The Oval. If they do, you talk about this selection of Manchester being the sentimental one. I think now if they pick him at the Oval, that will be more sentimental than anything.

Ponting added England has the option of playing Josh Tongue, who impressed in the second Test match at Lord’s by picking five wickets.

“Because what I saw with Tongue at Lord’s, he was the pick of their bowlers in that game and then he’s gone straight back out. So I’d be very surprised if Anderson actually plays this last Test.”

Ponting’s predicted England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, Josh Tongue.

The fifth Ashes Test will be played at Kennington Oval from Thursday onwards.