Ashes: How Impactful Is 'Swing King' James Anderson In Australia?

James Michael Anderson, the fast-medium pacer from Burnley, UK has been a nightmare for many batters since his test debut in 2003. He has 632 wickets to his name, most by any fast bowler in the world. He became the first English cricketer to reach 400, 500 & 600 wickets in test cricket. 

In upcoming England's tour of Australia for the Ashes, the 39-year-old 'King of Swing' would be a crucial part of the English pace attack along with Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes & Mark Wood. What makes this age-proof pacer more lethal is that he has more wickets in Australia (away games) than in England (home games) in the Ashes. 

Anderson, who played his first Ashes Test at Brisbane on November 23, 2006, has garnered 104 wickets in the prestigious series. Even though people may think that Anderson is more effective in England, 'under the clouds', as he has 402 wickets at home in comparison to 230 wickets away from home, there are stats that would say otherwise in the case of Ashes.

Anderson has taken 60 wickets against Australia at their home. He has bowled in 34 innings, playing 18 matches, and has just one 5-wicket haul to his name which suggests his consistency in taking 2-4 wickets in every innings. He averages 35.43 at an economy of 2.95. 

On the other hand, the pacer has 44 wickets in 14 matches against Australia in England. He has four 5-wicket hauls at home which when compared to playing in Australia, conveys more wicketless hauls at home. Jimmy Anderson has 10 wicketless hauls at home, while he has just 8 wicketless hauls in Australia. 

The English pacer is very powerful in beating the batters' edge and getting him out by the wicketkeeper/slip fielders. As the England team have geared up to play the 72nd Ashes series between these two sides, Australia has lost Tim Paine due to off-field controversies and mental health issues. Pat Cummins would be leading the Australian side, while former skipper Steve Smith has been announced as the vice-captain.

Also Read: Ashes 2021-22 - England vs Australia Schedule and Squads

The first Ashes Test would be played at the Gabba from December 8. Australia are the current Ashes urn-holders.