According to reports, James Anderson is set to earn a recall for the fourth Ashes at Old Trafford, which starts on July 19.

Anderson was rested for the third Test at Headingley following two relatively poor outings at Edgbaston and Lord’s in the first two Tests of the 2023 Ashes.

However, according to the Guardian, with the series on the line and England in a must-win position, Anderson is likely to be recalled into the XI for the fourth Test of this enthralling series, which happens to be at his home ground, Old Trafford.

In the first two Tests of the series, Anderson managed to pick just three wickets from four innings at an average of 75.33. Part of the reason behind his lacklustre performances was the docile surfaces on offer for the first two Tests where historic levels of short-pitched bowling were witnessed, particularly at Lord’s.

Anderson is 41 years of age, with question marks over his age and fitness rising up following two poor outings. However, he has brushed aside those concerns, claiming that age has not been a factor behind his poor returns.

Old Trafford has always been a happy hunting ground for Anderson. From 10 Tests, he has picked 37 wickets at his home venue at an average of 22.02, more than four points better than his career bowling average of 26.21.

If Anderson is recalled, it will most likely be at the expense of Ollie Robinson, who played little part in the third Test after suffering a back spasm during the initial stages of the game.

There’s also a possibility that this might be the last opportunity for Anderson to play a Test match at his home ground.

The series currently stands at 2-1 in favour of Australia. England will have to win the fourth Test to take it to the Kia Oval with the series still alive and Ashes hopes still intact. An Australia victory will seal the Ashes for them.

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