England speedster James Anderson is in the process of recovery from his calf injury after being included in the Lancashire 2nd XI for their four day game against Durham at Chester Boughton Hall CC. Anderson was named in the XI to make himself match fit for the all-important 4th Ashes Test. The leading wicket-taker for England in the longest format of the game has already missed a couple of Tests after sustaining a calf injury during the opening Test of the series.
The veteran fast bowler is gearing up for the 4th Test and is hopeful of making the playing XI in the 4th Test. Meanwhile, Anderson has earlier been part of the Lancashire 2nd XI in a three day game against Leicestershire last week.
“James Anderson has been named in a strong Second XI squad to face Durham, in a four-day friendly starting today at Chester Boughton Hall CC,” said Lancashire Cricket in a media release on Tuesday.
“After bowling nine overs at Northern last Tuesday, the 37-year-old will continue his recovery from a calf injury as he bids to be fit for the fourth Specsavers Ashes Test at Emirates Old Trafford next week,” Lancashire Cricket added on their social media handle.
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It was Jofra Archer who was brought in place of Anderson in England’s playing XI. In just a couple of Test matches, Archer has already made a significant impact on the series so far and has bagged 13 wickets in a couple of Tests so far. He has already bagged a 6 wicket haul in the previous Test. However, if Anderson is fit, one of the pacers has to make way as Anderson still remains the best bet for England, especially in home conditions.
England has been pretty ordinary in the series so far despite the scoreline reading 1-1. After losing the opening Test, the hosts were on the verge of surrendering the Ashes when they had their backs on the wall during the 3rd Test. The hosts managed to eke out a famous victory by a wicket only due to the superhuman efforts of Ben Stokes.