No chance nostalgia will come into selection, I know I am not guaranteed to play in Manchester: James Anderson

Seasoned England pacer James Anderson made a bold claim regarding his selection for the fourth Test, slated to be played from July 19 at the Old Trafford, which is home to the English pacer. 

After being dropped in the third Test due to an off-colour start in the Ashes 2023, fans in Lancashire are hoping to see Anderson in action at the Old Trafforf, which could also mark his final appearance in front of his home crowd. However, the seasoned pacer voiced his stance on the selection as he stated that nostalgia will not be a factor for his inclusion in the high-voltage clash.

"This is an Ashes series and there is absolutely no chance nostalgia will come into selection for the next Test. Letting Jimmy Anderson bowl at the Jimmy Anderson End because it is a nice story will not be a thought in the heads of Ben Stokes or Brendon McCullum. They will pick the strongest team to compete with Australia that particular week. I am completely happy with whatever they decide," Anderson wrote in his column in the Telegraph.

Not thinking if it’s my last Test: James Anderson

Anderson claimed just three scalps across the two Tests at Edgbaston and Lord’s. With this, the think tank decided to play Mark Wood and Chris Woakes in the third Test and the move paid high dividends as the duo contributed well in England's three-wicket win. Anderson further highlighted that he is not pondering over playing his final Test at home in Old Trafford.

"I know I am not guaranteed to play the next Test and I will completely understand if they want to stick with the winning team. The selection side is out of my hands. I just make sure that I am in a good place and ready to play. When you are at my stage of your career you never know when your last game at a certain ground is going to be. This could be my last Test at Old Trafford if I do play, who knows? I am not thinking about that,” he added.