Anderson fighting for Ashes place

JIMMY Anderson took a huge stride towards proving his fitness for next week’s fourth Ashes Test at Emirates Old Trafford by bowling 20 overs for Lancashire’s Second XI on the first day of their friendly at Chester Boughton Hall.

The 37-year-old Red Rose ace is recovering from a calf injury which cut short his involvement in the Ashes opener at Edgbaston and ruled him out of the next two Tests at Lord’s and Headingley.

England’s all-time leading wicket-taker suffered a calf injury while in County Championship action for Lancashire against Durham at Sedbergh School in June.

His fitness was in doubt for the first Test and he managed just four overs on the first morning at Edgbaston, before leaving the field and being sidelined for the rest of the match.

England were said to be keen for Anderson to prove his fitness ahead of any potential return, with this specially-arranged friendly at Chester probably his last opportunity ahead of the fourth Test, which begins on September 4.

Anderson appeared to come through the first morning of the four-day match unscathed against a strong Durham side, which featured Championship regulars including captain Ned Eckersley, Cameron Steel, Jack Burnham and Chris Rushworth.

There was even more encouragement from his second spell, which began with two overs before lunch and continued for a further seven overs after the interval.

He also claimed the first wicket of the match during those overs, bowling Durham opener Angus Robson for 51.

Anderson had figures of 1-16 from his first 15 overs, which appeared would be the extent of his work for the day but he returned to the attack to take the second new ball.

In all Anderson claimed 1-38 from his 20 overs, as Durham ●● James Anderson closed on 288-4, and appeared to show no sign of injury.

If he comes through the next three days, he could give England a major selection headache with Jaffra Archer having impressed since coming into the side in place of Anderson in the second Test.

Chris Woakes could be the man to make way for Anderson, who - more than likely - would be playing in his last Ashes Test at his home ground.

Meanwhile, former England spinner Monty Panesar expects Moeen Ali to be recalled for the fourth Ashes Test at Emirates Old Trafford.

England kept the series alive with a stunning one-wicket victory over Australia at Headingley, with Ben Stokes scoring 135 not out and putting on 76 with last man Jack Leach.

Leach only contributed one to the partnership, but stuck around for 17 balls to earn cult status, although during the third Test he only bowled 11 overs on his way to 1-46 in the second innings.

Moeen is back firing for Worcestershire and Panesar, who played 50 Tests for England, said: “I expect Moeen to get a recall at Old Trafford because the ball turns there.

“He is batting good and he has his confidence back.

“I think he should be included and if I was an England selector I would recall him for the fourth Test.”