Road to the Ashes: James Anderson has declared he wants to take down Steve Smith as his Ashes target

At the astonishing age of 39, James Anderson is still at the top of his game. In his ninth Ashes and fifth tour of Australia he has made it his mission to take down Steve Smith.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: James Anderson of England celebrates taking the wicket of Azhar Ali of Pakistan during Day One of the 2nd #RaiseTheBat Test Match between England and Pakistan at The Ageas Bowl on August 13, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images for ECB)

At the astonishing age of 39, James Anderson has made it his sign-off mission in Ashes cricket to take down Steve Smith.

The England warhorse went toe to toe with Indian superstar Virat Kohli last month and has now turned his attention to taking down the chief of Australia’s batting order.

Anderson is preparing for his ninth Ashes series and fifth tour to Australia, and will again be a crucial figure for an England side missing strike weapons Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes.

James Anderson will be crucial to England’s attack. Picture: Getty Images

Speaking exclusively on the final episode of Fox Cricket’s Road to the Ashes TV podcast series airing tonight at 8.30pm, Anderson has declared he wants Smith’s scalp as an early 40th birthday present.

“I think as a bowler you always look at the best player and for me over the last three, four, five years Steve Smith has been Australia’s best player. He’s the one they rely on for the volume of runs,” Anderson said on Road to the Ashes.

“Obviously he’s been supported by guys around him like David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, so there are other guys around that support him. But he’s been the guy who has been the go to, so he will be the one I’m keen to get out early.”

Anderson said he’s also relishing the chance to have a front row seat to the Stuart Broad v Warner rematch when the Ashes quicks off from the Gabba.

Broad dismissed Warner seven times during the 2019 Ashes series in the UK, but on Australian soil, the destructive opener has an incredible record.

According to Anderson, the battle between the two veteran warriors could be the match up that defines the series.

“Absolutely, that’s something I’ve really enjoyed watching as well. It’s been a great contest,” Anderson said.

David Warner has had an incredible record on home soil. Picture: AAP Images

“In that particular series (2019), Stuart came out on top I’d say. But we’ve played so much cricket against Warner you know you can never say you’re actually on top of him.

“He’s that good a batter and he’s got that much quality, especially in Australia.

“His record in Australia is absolutely ridiculous. We know it’s going to be a different animal to that one we faced in our summer.”

Anderson admits he’s highly unlikely to play all five Tests this Ashes series, and has his sights set on lining up in at least three – with a real focus on lighting up the pink ball second Test in Adelaide.

News that Stokes is progressing well in his recovery from finger surgery has provided a glimmer of hope the all-round star could become a late inclusion for the tour.

Anderson said England had to prepare as if that isn’t the case – as Stokes is also returning from a mental health break.

“I’m not exactly sure where he’s at. That’s something he’s been talking to the guys at the ECB about – the coach and medical team there,” said Anderson.

“I know for a fact he won’t be rushed into anything. For us, the squad that we’ve got, that’s who is going to be heading out there on the 4th of November and we’re going to give it our best shot to get the Ashes back.

“And if at some point we do get Ben back then obviously that’s great because he’s a huge player, but I know he certainly won’t be rushed back.”