Jimmy set for scan amid questions over his future

JIMMY ANDERSON will have a scan on his groin tomorrow with the latest in a catalogue of recent injuries threatening his place in the first Test against South Africa, writes Richard Gibson at Old Trafford.

The 34-year-old Lancashire pace bowler (right) has missed eight of England’s last 23 Test matches and although the scheduling of the Champions Trophy means he has six weeks to recover ahead of the first Investec Series of the summer, this setback continues a worrying trend of niggling injuries towards the back end of his career.

Anderson broke down halfway through his sixth over in the Roses match on Friday and received ice treatment from Lancashire physio Sam Byrne in the immediate aftermath.

He will bat if required in the ongoing County Championship game against Yorkshire, although the extent of his contribution on the second day stretched no further than watching his team-mates warm-up alongside head coach Glen Chapple.

When fit, Anderson is integral to the England attack, but another spell on the sidelines will only encourage speculation that his body will no longer stand up to the rigours of series like next winter’s Ashes.