Anderson’s battle to be ready for OT Test

JAMES Anderson is facing a battle to be fit to play what could be his last Ashes Test at his home ground. The Lancashire seamer broke down after just four overs in the series opener at Edgbaston and did not bowl again.

Scans have now confirmed he has no chance of taking part in next week’s game at Lord’s, with assessment taking place ‘on an ongoing basis’ regarding his comeback.

And that has to put a question mark over the 37-year-old’s chances of being fit for the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford, which begins on September 4. And with the Ashes not back on these shores until 2023 by which time England’s leading Test wicket-taker will be 41 - this will be his last chance to play a final Ashes match at the home of the Red Rose.

Anderson had not played competitive cricket for a month leading into the first Test after injuring the same calf playing for Lancashire in the Specsavers County Championship against Durham at Sedbergh School at the start of June.

He was restricted to two batting cameos at number 11 at Edgbaston after pulling up on the first morning of the match against Australia.

Now the England and Wales Cricket Board have revealed an MRI scan had revealed another calf problem.

“The MRI confirmed that Anderson has suffered a calf injury,” read a statement from the ECB. “As a result of the injury, he will commence a rehabilitation programme working with the England and Lancashire medical teams. Anderson will miss the second Test match, which starts at Lord’s on Wednesday, August 14. He will be reassessed on an ongoing basis regarding his availability for the rest of the series.”