James Anderson Slammed for Ashes XI Pick: Ricky Ponting as Wicketkeeper

'Hysterical' Blunder in James Anderson's All-Time Ashes XI as He Forgets a Wicketkeeper

England’s fast bowling legend James Anderson, who is widely praised for his IQ on the cricket pitch, got slammed after he named his all-time best Ashes XI. He caused bewilderment by choosing the Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting as the wicketkeeper. Netizens criticized him because Ponting, throughout his cricketing career, played only as a batter, not as a wicketkeeper. 

Ponting's New Role and Other Surprising Picks

James Anderson’s all-time Ashes XI featured some truly unexpected selections. The biggest surprise came when he designated Australian legend Ricky Ponting as the wicketkeeper. This was a completely new role for Ponting, who "never once took up in professional cricket!"

He did keep in only four club cricket games back in the mid-nineties. Additionally, Anderson picked Don Bradman as an opener. The latter has never opened in his Test career and mostly batted at No. 3 in his 52 Tests.

The fast bowler also chose Ben Stokes as the captain over Ponting, who has been the most successful skipper in the format with a win rate of 62.33%. Joe Root was selected at No. 4, while Steve Smith, the third-highest run-scorer in Ashes history, was omitted.

Social Media Reacts to the 'Hysterical' Team Selection

James Anderson’s combined Ashes XI instantly caused a wave of astonishment online. The selection of Ricky Ponting as wicketkeeper and Ben Stokes as captain was met with immediate bewilderment. Many users quickly took to X, roasting his choices.

One user on X said, "I have no words. Apparently Ricky Ponting is keeping wicket." Another commenter called the entire squad "hysterical," labelling it "the worst combined team chosen in any sport ever." The user added that the Stokes captaincy selection was "one of many farcical picks."

Comments also included, "He's done zero research clearly," and "What is Jimmy Anderson on?" The video of the selection was later removed by TNT Sports from all social media platforms.