Ben Stokes Lavishes Praise On "Greatest Fast Bowler" James Anderson Ahead Of 5th Ashes Test

England captain Ben Stokes has no doubts over James Anderson keeping his place in an unchanged side for this week's Ashes finale, hailing the veteran seamer as "the greatest fast bowler to play the game". The hosts are bidding to end the series all square at 2-2 in a fifth Test at The Oval starting Thursday, with Australia having already retained the Ashes at 2-1 up following last week's rain-marred draw at Old Trafford. Anderson, 41 on Sunday, has taken just four wickets in three matches this series at a costly average of 76.75 apiece.

But Anderson, whose 689 Test wickets are the most taken by any fast bowler, insisted in a recent newspaper column he has no intention of retiring any time soon and plans to continue an England career that already spans 20 years.

Stokes, with England having overlooked the claims of Ollie Robinson and rising star Josh Tongue, was more than happy to have Anderson in his side.

"James Anderson is the greatest fast bowler to play the game and he's still looking as good as he was two years ago," said Stokes at The Oval on Wednesday.

"Although he's not had the impact or the wickets he would have liked to in this series, he's a quality bowler and quality performer. To have nearly 700 Test wickets is phenomenal, and to be able to do it all around the world as well."

'Amazing' Broad

Stokes also paid tribute to Stuart Broad, Anderson's longstanding new-ball colleague.

The Nottinghamshire seamer is the leading bowler in the Ashes with 18 wickets and is about to appear in his sixth Test in a row this season, having featured in the off-match against Ireland at Lord's.

"At 37 years old it's testament to the work and effort he puts in," said Stokes.

"It's amazing. It was always going to be hard for one