'You’re in the wrong sport': James Anderson blames Ben Stokes and ex-England teammates for Ashes horror

Former England fast bowler James Anderson has strongly criticised Ben Stokes and his former England teammates following the team’s disappointing 2025-26 Ashes campaign in Australia. England suffered a heavy 4-1 series defeat, and Anderson did not hold back while sharing his views on what went wrong.

Speaking on BBC Radio, Anderson reacted to comments made by Stokes praising bowlers Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse for their effort and consistency. Anderson said such effort should be a basic requirement for international cricketers. He said that if a player is not willing to run in all day for the team, then they are playing the wrong sport.

When I saw Stokes come out and say, the way (Josh) Tongue and (Brydon) Carse have just run in like consistently, I had a Roy Keane moment. I was like, that’s your job. If you’re not willing to run in all day for your team, don’t bother. You’re in the wrong sport," Anderson said.

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Anderson says it annoys him when players are praised for putting in efforts

Anderson stressed that effort should never be highlighted as something special. According to him, giving full effort should come naturally to every player who represents their country. He said it always annoys him when players are praised just for trying hard, as that should already be part of the job.

The 41-year-old also pointed to Australia’s Mitchell Starc as the perfect example of the standards England should aim for. He added that Starc bowled with the same pace and intensity on Day 5 of the final Test as he had throughout the series, despite Australia being way ahead in the game.

Starc, for me, was the absolute standout of the series. He bowled on Day 5 of the final Test as quick as he had bowled all series long. He was consistent with his speeds. But that is what you expect from all your bowlers. That is the standard. It always annoys me (when someone says) ‘can’t fault your efforts’. Well, the effort shouldn’t be a thing. It should just be in you," he added.

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Australia’s dominant 4-1 victory looked even more damaging for England considering the hosts were missing several key players. Josh Hazlewood missed the entire series due to injury, while regular captain Pat Cummins played only one Test. Despite these absences, Australia were far superior.

Following the poor results, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched a thorough investigation into the tour. England’s off-field behaviour has also come under heavy criticism, with reports suggesting that some players were drinking regularly during the series.