Sir Ian Botham thinks James Anderson is returning to the fold a week too late
Friday 22 July 2016 16:33, UK
Sir Ian Botham expects a much-improved performance from a 'stronger' England team in the second Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford this week.
And Botham says he is among those mystified that seamer James Anderson was left out of the squad for the first Test defeat at Lord's.
Anderson will return this week, as will Ben Stokes, and Botham told Sky Sports News HQ: "Jimmy Anderson is the leader of the pack, 450-odd (Test) wickets.
"I am not quite sure where he was last week, I don't think he knows where he was last week.
"It will be good to have him back and Ben [Stokes], with Woakes. It is a stronger team."
Anderson played two days for Lancashire last week, because the selectors reportedly felt he needed more time to recover from a shoulder injury.
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"I don't have a problem with that," Botham added.
"I suggest that [England head coach] Trevor Bayliss did not agree with what went on last week, reading between the lines.
"I think the umpires should be used more [as scouts], they are the guys who see first class cricket every day of the week, and a lot of them are very good ex-players.
"Why don't we pick their brains?"
Australia great Shane Warne was impressed by Pakistan at Lord's and thinks their excellent bowling attack will make them a threat once again at Old Trafford.
"Pakistan are going to be tough to beat, if they make runs," said the legendary leg-spinner. "They have got a pretty good attack.
"They have got a lot of variety in their attack, three left-armers, and [leg-spinner] Yasir Shah, who is bowling really well and is coming off a 10-for at Lord's.
"So his confidence will be sky-high and Manchester is a great place to bowl.
"He is going to be a handful and England need to get some top-order runs. If [Alastair] Cook and [Joe] Root miss out, someone else has to put their hand up and, at the moment, no one is really firing.
"One of [James] Vince, [Jonny] Bairstow, one of those guys has to make runs. Having Ben Stokes back is going to be a huge difference, because he is just a class act."
Botham and Warne spoke to SSN during a charity golf challenge, in which the duo played 18 holes in 18 different counties.
They travelled the country in two helicopters, beginning the challenge in County Durham at 6am, and finishing at The Belfry in the evening.
The money raised will help to fund specific projects relating to chronic illnesses and other challenges that young people face.
Watch day one of the second Investec Test between England and Pakistan on Friday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 2 HD at 10am. Or watch from £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.
