Ashes 2023: James Anderson hoping to play three of five Test matches - 'That's more realistic'

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Ashes 2023: England pacer James Anderson has made it clear that featuring in all the five Test matches in the upcoming Ashes would not be sensible and realistic for any bowler in the series. The 40-year-old added that he was aiming to play three and a maximum of four games.

The gruelling Ashes 2023 kicks off from June 16 at the Edgbaston in Birmingham. England are yet to announce a squad. The ECB recently named the England squad for a one-off Test against Ireland ahead of the Ashes 2023. Anderson finds his name on the sheet.

"I think playing all five is a little bit optimistic. I think three, not just for myself – if you said to any of the bowlers three out of five, I think that's probably more realistic, more sensible. If it's four then great," Anderson told British media.

"The thing is, you've got to take it game by game. If we're bowling 250 overs in the field in five days then you're probably going to rest. There could be rain, we could bowl them out cheaply. You just don't know, you've got to play it by ear."

Further, Anderson talked about Ben Stokes captaincy and termed him as a "born leader". He said that the all-rounder has not done superbly well with on-field tactical decisions but also led the team beautifully off the field with his emotional intelligence.

"I think he's been spot on so far. I can't fault anything really."

"I think everyone knew that he was a leader, the way he trains, whether it's the gym or whether it's catching or batting or bowling the way he goes about his business – he is the ultimate professional, a born leader.

"(But) for me, it's the finer details, not just on the field where his tactical nous has been spot on, but also his emotional intelligence off the field and how he talks to everyone in the group," said Anderson.