James Anderson has been ruled out for a period of six weeks due to a shoulder injury. The 35-year-old aggressive pacer played the two-match test series against Pakistan and clinched nine wickets. His delivery to dismiss Azhar Ali in the second test is trending the social media till now.

Speaking to test match special, Anderson mentioned that shoulder injury has been a “long-standing” one and he needs some time off the game to be fit for the five-match test series against India in August. The much anticipated Kohli – Anderson battle will not be hindered on this account.

This injury also rules him out of the county championship and it will be interesting how Lancashire can create an impact in his absence. Nonetheless, the star bowler said that he is expected to be fit for the matches in the last week of July.

“The idea is to put in the work now and by the end of July there is a Championship game against Yorkshire that hopefully, I will be ready for – then hopefully five Tests against India,” Anderson said.

His side England lost the match against Scotland in a high scoring thriller yesterday. Though Bairstow played his heart out, the middle order fumble gave them one of the major upsets in the recent times.

“We have five Tests against India in a six-week period from August 1, which will be an intense and challenging period for all our bowlers, and therefore it’s vital that we ensure Jimmy goes into that series in the best possible condition,” Trevor Bayliss, the England coach.

England will now play a five-match ODI series against Australia from June 13. A “renovated” and “rejuvenated” Aussie will be looking to conquer the British fort.