I am not guaranteed to play the next Test and completely understand if they want to stick with the winning team: James Anderson

England made a remarkable comeback in the Ashes 2023 as they beat Australia by three wickets in the third Test of the series at Headingley, Leeds. Being 2-0 down, the Ben Stokes-led side finally managed to get on top of Australia and pounce on crucial moments in the game to emerge victorious. England have another must-win game in the fourth Test beginning on July 19 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.

Ahead of the game, there are widespread talks regarding England’s team combination. After the veteran seamer James Anderson was rested for the third Test following his below-par outings in the first two games, there’s a possibility of him being brought back into the team. However, Anderson isn’t too bothered about whether he will get a chance to play or not and will be happy with whatever the management decides.

"They will pick the strongest team to compete with Australia that particular week. I am completely happy with whatever they decide. I know I am not guaranteed to play the next Test and I will completely understand if they want to stick with the winning team. The selection side is out of my hands. I just make sure that I am in a good place and ready to play,” Anderson wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

Notably, the fourth Test will be played at Anderson’s home ground at Old Trafford where an end has been named after him. A back injury to seamer Ollie Robinson has left a spot vacant in the England side for the upcoming Test and Anderson or Josh Tongue are the likely replacements.

Josh Tongue impressed with his performance in second Test

Anderson didn’t have memorable outings in the first two Tests as he could manage to pick just three wickets. On the other hand, playing just his second Test, Tongue was the pick of the bowlers for England at Lord’s in the first innings. The 25-year-old even managed to pick the prized scalps of David Warner and Steven Smith twice during the game where he picked five wickets.

England have a huge selection dilemma as they look to level the series in the fourth Test. On the other hand, Australia are just one win away from winning their first Ashes series in England since 2001.