Anderson ruled out of next Ashes Test and may not return until Old Trafford
● Absence of record wicket-taker is a ‘monstrous’ blow claims Vaughan
James Anderson has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test, with England not certain when he will be fit to return from his calf injury.
England’s record wicket-taker broke down after just four overs in the series opener at Edgbaston and did not bowl again as Australia romped to a 251-run victor y. 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.
Anderson ,37, was not expected to be on duty in the second Test after his bit-part role in Birmingham. The veteran had not played competitive cricket for a month leading into the match after injuring the same calf on duty for Lancashire and was restricted to two batting cameos at No 11 after pulling up on the first morning. An England and Wales Cricket Board statement revealed an MRI scan had settled the matter.
“The MRI confirmed that Anderson has suffered a calf injury ,” read the statement. “Anderson will miss the second Test match, which starts at Lord’ s on Wednesday 14 August. He will be reassessed on an ongoing basis regarding his availability for the rest of Specsavers Ashes series.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan does not expect to see Anderson on duty again until the fourth Test in Manchester at the earliest and warned his absence could have a big impact in both dressing rooms. “I can’t see him playing too much of a role in this series,” he said on BBC 5 Live. “I can’t see how they’ll allow him to come back without playing at least a couple of games first. You’re looking at, if everything go es rosy, Old Trafford, but that would probably be a risk.
“My concern is you don’ t under estimate the psychological effect Jimmy Anderson has on the England team, but also the positive effect it sends through the Australia team.
“For them to arrive next week and the week after to know they won’t be facing Jimmy... that is monstrous.”