'I like not being mates with Australians' - James Anderson talks about relationship with Australian cricketers ahead of Ashes 2023

After an exciting World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final match between India and Australia, the Test cricket action will move toward the iconic Ashes series which will start on June 16. Australia defeated the Indian team by 209 runs to become the current best Test in the world and they will look to continue their dominance in the Ashes also.

Meanwhile, England’s legendary fast bowler James Anderson recently talked about his lack of friendship with the Australian players. He believes that this helped him to maintain the rivalry and competition alive between him and the Australian players. He also said that no franchise cricket or any other matches could really overshadow the spark that Ashes produces.

"I just like not knowing them away from cricket, not being mates with them. I just like seeing them as an opponent and really trying to get into the battle against them. I don’t think it has happened yet but the amount of cricket played in franchise cricket with the mix of nationalities could in the future take the edge away from the spark you get in the Ashes."

I just want to win the Ashes again: James Anderson

Anderson has a brilliant record in the Test format as in 179 games he has picked up 685 wickets at an average of 25.99. He also has 32 5-wicket hauls under his belt. The 40-year-old said that he wants to win the Ashes again. He also stated that whenever he plays against the Australian side, he feels that the Kangaroos always play with fire and sheer determination. 

"I just want to win the Ashes again. It feels like a long time since I’ve been involved in a winning Ashes. Whenever I play against Australia they try and play fire with fire. They come back even harder at you. Usually, that ends with England backing down, but perhaps not this time. I am guessing Ben will want to go even harder. He will want to be more positive, more aggressive, and really take it to Australia,” added Anderson.