James Anderson has ignited a controversy within English cricket by publicly criticizing captain Ben Stokes and some former teammates following England's 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia. The legendary fast bowler didn't hold back his disappointment and disagreement with Stokes' post-series comments, particularly regarding the efforts of bowlers like Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse.
Anderson's main contention is that praising players for simply "running in hard" sets a low standard and masks deeper issues within the team. On BBC Radio, Anderson stated firmly, "When I saw Stokes come out and say the way Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse have just run in so consistently, I had a Roy Keane moment. I was like, that's your job. If you're not willing to run in all day for your team, don't bother. You're in the wrong sport".
He emphasized that consistent effort should be a fundamental expectation of any international cricketer, not something deserving of special praise. To illustrate his point, Anderson highlighted the performance of Australian bowler Mitchell Starc, who maintained high speeds throughout the series, even on the final day of the last Test. Anderson argued that this level of commitment and consistency is the standard all bowlers should strive for.
Anderson believes that constantly excusing poor performance with phrases like "can't fault your efforts" ultimately lowers the team's standards and prevents genuine improvement. He suggests that such comments can cover up deeper issues within the team.
The former England fast bowler's criticism reflects a broader debate about the culture and standards within the England cricket team. Some observers have pointed to a lack of preparation and discipline between Tests as contributing factors to their Ashes loss. Stokes himself acknowledged the need for "hard truths" and admitted that his team needs to improve. He also noted that other teams are finding answers to England's aggressive "Bazball" approach. Significant changes were made to the team leading up to the Ashes, with established players like Anderson himself, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes, and Jack Leach being replaced by newer faces.
While Stokes has expressed his readiness to address these issues head-on, Anderson's blunt assessment adds another layer to the scrutiny surrounding the team's performance and direction. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched a review into the Ashes defeat, signaling a commitment to addressing the shortcomings and preparing for the next series. Stokes maintains a positive outlook, asserting his determination to guide the team back to its winning ways.
