Ashes 2023: England are a better team with James Anderson – Moeen Ali

England all-rounder Moeen Ali believes the hosts are a better team with their veteran fast bowler James Anderson in the playing XI. Anderson has replaced injured Ollie Robinson for the fourth Ashes Test match against Australia.

The experienced pacer was dropped from the team’s final XI in the third Test match at Leeds, Headingley, which England went on to win by three wickets. Anderson could only take three wickets in the first two Test matches and bowled with a poor average of 75.33.

After picking a solitary wicket at Edgbaston, Anderson admitted that the pitch was his kryptonite as it was flat and there was hardly any help for the fast bowlers.

Moeen Ali said in the pre-match press conference, “There’s no doubt England are a better team with James Anderson in there. In the two games he played I actually thought he bowled really well in both of them. I think he’s been a bit unfortunate with catches and things probably not going his way.

“Being the best bowler England have ever had and being a legend of a player and a great guy as well, it’s great to see him have the opportunity to play, it could be his last one, and hopefully he bowls well and gets us the win.”

Meanwhile, England promoted Harry Brook to number three in the first innings of the third Test match. But as Brook was dismissed cheaply, the team decided to promote Moeen Ali to one down position in the second essay in the run-chase of 251. Ali admitted it is a challenge to bat at three against a formidable bowling line-up of Australia and also feels number five position is more suitable for Harry Brook.

“It’s obviously going to be a challenge batting No 3 against Australia with the best bowling attack in the world,” Moeen said. “I’m looking forward to it. I think Brook is a great player and will be a great player. I just personally feel like five is great for him and the impact he can have at five is much more than what he can probably do at three, at the moment.

“I’m not saying he won’t be a good No.3 I just feel right now for the team it’s probably best that I go three. I do enjoy batting three, the challenge of batting three. I think for the team right now it’s the best thing. I’m looking forward to playing against these guys and getting challenged. I know it’s not easy because they are obviously very good.”

The fourth Ashes Test will be played at Old Trafford from 19th July onwards.