Jimmy Anderson opens up on Ben Stokes, Bazball and attacking the Australians 

Jimmy Anderson delivers an ultra-positive message in his usual calm and collected manner when asked how Australia will tackle the ‘new’ England in the biggest Test series of them all.

“They are extremely competitive by nature and aggressive in the way they play,” said the most prolific wicket-taker in bowling history. “They will have discussed the way we play and will have their own plans for dealing with us.

“I just think, if we do what we did and play the best we can, I don’t think anyone in the world can handle it.”

It’s that last comment that makes this the most anticipated Ashes series since 2005. Anderson has never been one for big statements in his extraordinary 20-year career, but even he has been swept up in the prevailing mood of the “Bazball” revolution.

“For me it’s exciting to see how different teams react to what we’re doing and how it all works against those different teams,” he said. “I’m sure we’ll have to do some things a little differently against Australia, but we’ve coped with everything that’s happened to us so far. If we keep the same mentality now, we can of course win.’

England will welcome Australia this summer in the most anticipated Ashes series since 2005

That positivity about England’s chances this summer is matched by Anderson’s progress report on the injury that sparked panic among England supporters as he quietly walked off on the first day of Lancashire’s draw with Somerset.

The groin strain is not serious, he confirmed, and he will be fit enough to face Ireland in the pre-Ashes Test at Lord’s on June 1, but will probably wait it out to make sure he is ready for the big test at Edgbaston. two weeks later.

It was at Birmingham in the First Test four years ago that Anderson’s Ashes came to a premature and shaky end as he hobbled off with a calf injury after bowling just four overs and was not seen again all summer. This, he insists, is different.

“That was a more serious injury,” he said. “I tore my calf earlier that summer and it was a real push to get ready for the first test. I don’t feel like this is anything like it and I’m desperate to be fit for the Ashes. If that means missing out on Ireland then so be it.’

Much has been written about the impact of Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum’s transformation on batting, but Bazball has had an equally positive effect on bowling. Anderson, who spent much of his record-breaking career ‘dry bowling’ to take wickets, has been an old dog very willing to learn new tricks.

“It’s a change of mindset from previous regimes,” he explained. “Before we say if we can go for less than 2.7 runs and over, we can create pressure and chances. But Ben doesn’t care about the run rate. He wants 20 wickets as soon as possible. If it means setting attack squares 10-15 overs longer than we would have in the past, he will. He likes to tinker with the field and is a lot of fun as a bowler. It never gets boring. I love it. There is a better feeling and everyone participates.’

Anderson endured a hell of injuries the last time Australia toured England in 2019

But the 41-year-old remains as important to England as ever on his way into the series

Anderson has taken 112 wickets in his 35 Ashes tests

Anderson, nearly 41, remains as important to England as ever, especially as Stokes’ hopes of having a squad of eight Ashes fast bowlers to choose from have taken a hit with more serious injuries to Jofra Archer and Olly Stone.

“It’s brutal,” Anderson said of the elbow problems that now cast doubt on Archer’s future on the Test. “I can’t imagine what he’s going through.

‘Likewise with Olly. He bowled at me this season and it was one of the fastest spells I’ve experienced. It must be so frustrating for them, especially for Jofra to have that recurring thing. I just hope he can come back someday.’

Not only does the lack of the extra pace from Archer and Stone leave extra responsibility on the other bowlers, but it also makes the bowling fitness of the captain, who is capable of that extra pace and a point of difference, all the more important.

“Ben is aware of the lack of help he has been able to give the squads because of his knee and is working very hard to bowl for much of the summer,” said Anderson. It gives the opposition something else to think about. It’s not just against three sailors, it’s also against a world-class all-rounder.”

McCullum (left) and Stokes (right) have tried in different ways to relieve pressure from the players

England are ready to attack Australia this summer after eight years without the urn

And to a captain who insists he will continue to do things his way. “I saw Ben talking to Nasser (Hussain) and he was asked if he would declare and give Australia a chase at the Oval if England were 2-1 up. He just said yes,’ Anderson added.

“I know we’ll get the same messages from Ben and Brendon this summer. Yes, it will get a little more attention because it’s an Ashes, but I hope we can play the same way. It’s been great to be a part of it so far.’

Jimmy Anderson spoke at a launch announcing Radox as an official partner of England cricket.