![\"England](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2161456642.jpg\")
\n\t\tJames Anderson questioned Ben Stokes\u2019 comments about England\u2019s pace attack (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tJames Anderson questioned Ben Stokes\u2019 comments about England\u2019s pace attack (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n
James Anderson says he was \u2018annoyed\u2019 by Ben Stokes\u2019 praise of England\u2019s bowlers for \u2018running in consistently\u2019 during the Ashes \u2013 insisting hard work and \u2018effort\u2019 should be a non-negotiable.<\/p>\n
The series had been built up as a potential classic entering the first Test, but it was all over inside just 11 days of cricket as Australia claimed an unassailable 3-0 lead with victory in Adelaide.<\/p>\n
There was some respite for England fans as Ben Stokes and Co secured a first Test win in Australia in 15 years in Melbourne \u2013 but Australia roared back to prevail in Sydney, ensuring the series finished 4-1 in their favour<\/a>.<\/p>\n England\u2019s questionable preparation and performances \u2013 as well as their off-the-field behaviour in Noosa<\/a> \u2013 saw Brendon McCullum\u2019s position as head coach come under increasing scrutiny as the tour wore on.<\/p>\n However, the 44-year-old Kiwi confirmed he was keen to carry on in the wake of the final Test. He did, though, stress that he had no intention of \u2018ripping up the script completely\u2019 should he be allowed to continue.<\/p>\n According to Anderson, there were some \u2018positives\u2019 to take away for England\u2019s bowling attack, who were without Jofra Archer and Mark Wood for the majority of the gruelling tour.<\/p>\n \u2018There are a few positives. I thought Archer bowled really well when he played. There were question marks over his fitness,\u2019 Anderson \u2013 England\u2019s all-time leading wicket taker, said on the latest Tailenders<\/a> podcast.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t \u2018Wood was a disappointment as well, getting injured in the first Test, [Gus] Atkinson bowled pretty well without getting much reward in the first couple of games.<\/p>\n \u2018[Brydon] Carse is someone who hasn\u2019t bowled with the new ball much and he was asked to do that in the last three Tests when Atkinson and Archer were injured so you could see that.<\/p>\n \u2018Carse can do that but I don\u2019t think he\u2019s there yet, he needs more exposure to it.<\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t think he opens the bowling for Durham<\/a> so he needs more exposure, especially in Australia<\/a> when the Kookaburra ball is so important in those first five to ten overs when you know it\u2019s going to swing a little bit.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t After calling for his side to show \u2018a bit of dog\u2019 ahead of the third Test, England captain Stokes applauded the spirit and determination of his bowling attack \u2013 comments that irked Anderson.<\/p>\n \u2018That actually annoyed me a bit when I saw Stokes come out and say that the way [Josh] Tongue and Carse had just run in consistently,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018I had a Roy Keane<\/a> moment. I was like, \u201cIt\u2019s your job!\u201d\u2026 it is! If you\u2019re not willing to run in all day for your team then don\u2019t bother, you\u2019re in the wrong sport.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t According to Anderson, England\u2019s pace bowlers should be looking to Mitchell Starc\u2019s unwavering level of performance across the series as an example to follow.<\/p>\n \u2018Starc was obviously the standout, player of the series. He bowled on day five of the fifth Test as quick as he bowled [at the start of the series], 144km\/h \u2013 that\u2019s as fast as he bowled throughout the series,\u2019 he explained.<\/p>\n \u2018He was consistent with his speeds, he\u2019s robust enough and he\u2019s obviously more experienced than the England attack, but that is what you expect from all your bowlers. That\u2019s the standard.<\/p>\n \u2018It always annoys me, \u201cCan\u2019t fault your efforts\u201d\u2026 well, the effort shouldn\u2019t be a thing. The effort should just be in you.\u2019<\/p>\n Former wicket-keeper-batsman Matt Prior echoed Anderson\u2019s remarks, underlining that maximum effort should be a must at all times for England\u2019s players.<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s not an Under-10 football tournament where everyone gets a medal for turning up. You\u2019re not at that level,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018Effort is a non-negotiable: trying hard, not giving up.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tShould Brendon McCullum stay on as England head coach?<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tSign up to In The Mixer, your guide to the week in football. Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk \u2013 sign up, it\u2019s an open goal.<\/p>\n For more stories like this,\u00a0check our sport page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Australia](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2255161926.jpg\")
\n\t\tAustralia were comprehensive 4-1 victors Down Under (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"Australia](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2255164717.jpg\")
\n\t\tMcCullum is keen to stay on as England head coach (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"Australia](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2255224858_86f037.jpg\")
\n\t\tStokes\u2019 remarks \u2018annoyed\u2019 Anderson (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"Lancashire](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2218099175.jpg\")
\n\t\tAnderson retired from England duty in July 2024 (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n
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