Anderson weighs in on England's tactics at the Ashes

England opted for an all-pace attack consisting of Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse for their first Test against Australia at Perth, looking to capitalise on the pace-friendly conditions at the venue.

This decision reaped quick rewards, as the visitors bowled out the hosts for 132 in their first innings, maintaining a lead of 40 runs. Skipper Ben Stokes (5/23) was the star of the show as he took a five-for in the innings, ripping through the Australian batting order.

However, in the second innings, England set a target of 205 for the home side to chase down, which Australia did with ease on the back of a special Travis Head knock that took the game straight out of England’s grasp. He smashed 123 off 83 balls and guided Australia to an eight-wicket victory before the end of Day 2.

While speaking on the BBC’s Tailenders Podcast, England great James Anderson opined that while England's strategy reaped rewards early in the game, Australia were able to counter-punch with ease in the second innings,

“The all-pace attack 100% worked in the first innings. We landed a few blows,” Anderson said.

Anderson pointed out that England's attack was found out in the second innings.

“Head knew they were bowling short, so he just sat on the back foot and hit his areas,” he said.

Anderson felt that going ahead, England needed something different to help diversify their bowling effort.

“I just wonder whether we lack a nuance with a bit of something different and a change of pace, whether that is a spinner or a slightly different pacer,

"There was no frontline spinner to just bowl four overs and change the pace of the game and make it slightly different for Head and give him something else to think about,” he said.

While tweaker Shoaib Bashir was a part of the England XII before the Test, he eventually sat out of the Test.

Anderson reckoned that despite this, England might be encouraged to field the same side in the upcoming day-night Test at Brisbane, where the seamers might end up playing a big role under the lights.

“I think that will be in their heads, and I would not be surprised at all if we went with the same side,” he said.

England will have a lot to ponder ahead of the Second Ashes Test, which will begin on December 4 in Brisbane. This series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.