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James Anderson will be perched on the England balcony in the Trent Bridge pavilion starting on Thursday. This is the area of the ground that will be christened “The Stuart Broad End” prior to the commencement of play on the opening day. As a member of the Sky commentary crew, Broad himself will be on the ones-and-twos at the opposite end.
Meanwhile, a new age of English Test fast bowling will begin in the middle, surrounded by the glare of 1,308 Test dismissals and 355 caps. Guys, no pressure.
Even so, there is still a familiarity even if this is the first time England has fielded a Broad and Anderson-less starting lineup on home soil in 12 years. It will be Chris Woakes’ 50th cap. It will be nine years after Mark Wood claimed the game-winning wicket to give England their most recent Ashes victory at Trent Bridge that he returns to the venue. Ben Stokes, who recently completed 18 overs in the opening Test, is gradually returning to his former all-around form.
Gus Atkinson, England’s shiny new toy, taking the new ball is the biggest change. In fact, this may also be the most telling sign of things to come. England hasn’t selected two true quicks in their attack since Olly Stone and Wood lined up together during a Test match against New Zealand in 2021.
This was always going to be the path that led to Anderson’s pensioning off as soon as the 2025–26 Ashes were placed at the top of the in-tray. Even though there have been well-deserved tributes and celebrations for a fantastic career, England has really demonstrated their hand in this second Test, which is taking place just a few days after his Lord’s goodbye. Although Anderson is not being openly criticised, the England captain made it clear that pace was England’s first priority.
“You ask any batter in the world, whether it be Joe Root, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, pace is a massive weapon that makes you do different things,” Stokes said.
“It makes you think differently. But also there has got to be skill attached to your pace. Gus showed that last week, that he’s more than just an out-and-out quick bowler, he’s incredibly skilful. As is Mark Wood. The ability for him to be able to bowl as quickly as he does but have the control and swing as well is something that’s very rare in someone who bowls that fast.
“It’s an added bonus having people who you can select who can bowl at 90mph and above, but you still have to be very skilful with what you’ve got.”