Anderson ready to step into Stokes’ shoes

James Anderson has put his hand up to be England vice-captain should Ben Stokes not make it to Australia.

The 35-year-old, who is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker and sixth on the all-time list with 506 scalps in 129 Tests, said that he already fulfils a leadership role in the team with support from former skipper Alastair Cook and fast bowler Stuart Broad. But if he was asked to step into Stokes’ shoes he would be open to it.

When questioned on whether he would decline if asked to fill the role, he replied: “Of course not, I wouldn’t.”

“Certainly over the past few years I have seen my role in the team as being a leader, especially with the young bowlers coming in, I try and help out where I can,” Anderson added. “That is part and parcel as a senior player who has played over 100 Tests, to be a leader,” he said.

“Myself and Stuart try and lead the bowling attack, Alastair has been captain. We have a nice leadership group.

“My experience as a senior player is to bring experience to the group. Myself, Alastair, Stuart Broad all bring experience to the group and our job is to help out where we can. There’s a lot of players on this tour that haven’t played an Ashes series or toured Australia. Our job is to help out.”

Vice-captain or not, it is clear that Anderson will need to play a key role in Australia if England are to return with the urn.

During the side’s first tour match the pace ace took four for 37 against a Western Australian XI in Perth.