'I'll be done with Ashes’ - James Anderson's massive remarks ahead of the 2nd Ashes 2023 Test send shockwaves

James Anderson, who is the leading wicket-taker for England, named the Edgbaston pitch kryptonite. He feared that if the other pitches were exactly the same as the one used for the first Test in Birmingham, he might not be competent to help his side win the following Ashes.

Having just a single wicket in 38 overs, the English bowler found himself unable to contribute to Australia's magnificent two-wicket triumph over them at Edgbaston. The 41-year-old's greatest assets were dulled by minimal swing or seam, and he didn't even bowl in the crucial final session. Following his comeback from an injury, Anderson gave back the figures of 1-109, confessing he was not at his peak and he blamed these consequences on the surface.

“If all the pitches are like that, I'm done in the Ashes series. That pitch was like kryptonite for me. There was not much swing, no reverse swing, no seam movement, no bounce and no pace. I know I wasn’t on top of my game this week. It was not my best performance," he wrote in his Daily Telegraph column, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

I want to make up for it at Lord’s and all I can do is turn up on Sunday: James Anderson

Earlier, on Day 5, a 55-run ninth-wicket stand between Australia's skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon helped the visitors prevail by two wickets following England's declaration of 393/8 on the opening day. Notwithstanding the setback, the English pacer further stated that the follow-up Test at Lord's, which commences on June 28, presents ample chances to show progression for his side.

Still, Anderson expressed his desire to get back in the subsequent game and assist the team towards triumph, stressing that the series is long and that he can give everything at Lord's during the second Ashes. “It’s a long series and hopefully I can contribute at some point. I know I have more to offer and contribute to the team. I want to make up for it at Lord’s and all I can do is turn up on Sunday and prepare to play,” he added further.