England bowler James Anderson has cast doubt over his game time during the current Ashes series after his ineffective showing during the first Test against Australia.
In one of the most captivating battles with the Baggy Greens for some time, England succumbed by two wickets having put themselves in a position to win during the final session at Edgbaston.
When taking the second new ball, captain Ben Stokes made the decision to use Ollie Robinson alongside Stuart Broad, rather than selecting the vastly-experienced Anderson.
There was justification with Stokes's decision, with Anderson following figures of 1-53 in the first innings with 0-56 during the final innings of an absorbing contest.
Even with a deteriorating pitch, England's greatest-ever bowler failed to gain the assistance that he has been known to generate during his illustrious career.
© Reuters
Helped by a week of preparation for the second Test at Lord's, the 40-year-old is expected to be selected by Stokes for the fixture in London.
Nevertheless, speaking in his column with The Telegraph, Anderson has acknowledged that his participation in the England attack is far from a certainty if similar pitches are selected for future fixtures.
Anderson said: "If all the pitches are like that I'm done in the Ashes series. That pitch was like kryptonite for me. There was not much swing, no reverse swing, no seam movement, no bounce and no pace.
"I've tried over the years to hone my skills so I can bowl in any conditions but everything I tried made no difference. I felt like I was fighting an uphill battle. There was a bit of rustiness but I gave it everything I could.
"I know I have more to offer and contribute to the team. I want to make up for it at Lord's."
Anderson has taken 117 wickets from 27 Test appearances at Lord's, producing seven five-wicket hauls and posting his Test-best figures of 7-42.
Darren Plant
