James Anderson’s struggles in overseas conditions

James Anderson is England’s finest bowler of the modern day era in Test cricket. His consistency and durability has made him land in the league of great bowlers but when we take a closer look, as we introspect his performances in England and overseas. Many fast bowlers who have inked their names in history by giving superlative in conditions that were not ideally suited.

Anderson has been prolific wicket taker for England since 2009 as he has taken 439 wickets in 108 matches. He has been impressive in home conditions as the ball does tend to swing for longer periods than most in England. The duke-ball does tend to hoop around for much longer than Kookaburra. But when it comes to overseas conditions, he has not been England’s main enforcer with the ball. His team-mates Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann have been marginally better in terms of numbers in games away from home.

The upcoming Ashes 2017-18 series in Australia will test James Anderson as surfaces are not as responsive as the ones as seen in England this summer. The 35-year old will be keen to make amends of his fairly ordinary record in Australia. The fast bowler has yet to take a five-wicket haul in Australia in 14 attempts. His performances have improved in overseas conditions but England has hardly won anything in the subcontinent since 2012. The side has experienced limited success i.e. their series win in South Africa.

It is certainly going to be an uphill task for Anderson who has tasted success overseas as compared to series played in England. He has improved with the ball in the last three years and been economical in different conditions. England will be hoping he can produce his best performance against Australia in the coming Ashes series to be played in Australia and help his side retain the Urn.