Ottis Gibson, former English bowling coach, took a potshot on the legendary pacer James Anderson's performance in the Ashes 2023. He suggested that Anderson's less than stellar showing has put him in a vulnerable position, reliant on the mercy of others regarding his retirement from the game.
In Yorkshire Post's column, Gibson expressed his that Anderson could have chosen to retire alongside Stuart Broad, who ended his career with England after the fifth Test of the Ashes 2023.
“It’s just my opinion, but Jimmy (James Anderson) has now put his exit in the hands of other people. He’s not had the best series. They could have walked off together (James Anderson and Stuart Broad). Fantastic, great careers,” Gibson told the Yorkshire Post.
Gibson also recollected how affected Anderson was when he was not selected for the West Indies series under Joe Root's leadership, only to be reinstated when Ben Stokes took over the captaincy.
“It’s only a year ago he was left out of the tour to the Caribbean, and I know how hurt he was at that. Again, it’s just my opinion, but I feel like he’s put himself now at the mercy of other people when it comes to his exit from the game," Gibson further said.
Anderson himself admitted in a Telegraph column that his performance during the series didn't meet his expectations and acknowledged that the selectors would decide his future. However, he expressed belief in his potential to add value to the team, particularly in the upcoming series in India.
“The chats I have had with England, I have said I have not contributed the way I wanted to in this series on the field. But I feel like I have a lot to offer the team going to somewhere like India in the New Year,” James Anderson said.
“I will keep myself in good nick for the next few months, then in October I will start turning my arm over again and get the bowling back up to scratch because it has been a bit off this summer, then look forward to next year,” Anderson further shared in his column.
James Anderson began his Test career in 2003 against Zimbabwe and has since played in 183 matches, claiming 690 wickets. He has also featured in 194 one-day international matches, securing 269 wickets.
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