I'd be very surprised if England play James Anderson at The Oval: Ricky Ponting

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting stated that he would be "very surprised" if England include James Anderson for the fifth and final Ashes Test. Notably, the two arch-rivals will lock horns one final time in the series at The Oval in London, starting on Thursday, July 27.

Speaking about Anderson’s campaign, the pacer has had an off-colour season as he has managed only four scalps in three Tests. Having not able to create the required impact with the ball, former cricketer Ponting expressed that he would be surprised if England’s think tank includes Anderson for the final Test.

"James Anderson has lacked penetration right through the series, so it's going to be a really interesting decision, I think, from England now going into this last Test. So, I must admit, I'd be very surprised if they do go ahead and play him at The Oval,” Ponting told on the ICC Review.

“Because what I saw with (Josh) Tongue at Lord’s was the pick of their bowlers in that Lord's game and then he's gone straight back out. So, I'd be very surprised if Anderson actually plays this last Test. If they do, you talk about this selection of Manchester being the sentimental one. I think now if they pick him at the Oval, that will be more sentimental than anything,” he added.

Assuming Anderson makes the cut in the playing XI for The Oval Test, it will in all probability mark his final Ashes appearance at home, given the next Ashes series in the UK will be played in 2027. It is worth mentioning that the selection committee named an unchanged for the fifth Test which includes Anderson.

Meanwhile, courtesy of a rain-enforced draw in the fourth Test in Manchester, the Aussies retained the Ashes with a scoreline of 2-1. Australia will look to win their first Ashes series away from home as they were last successful in 2001.