England’s pace bowling spearhead, James Anderson may feature in the fifth Ashes Test against Australia after he was seen practicing with the team on Monday. Anderson, England’s all-time highest wicket-taker in tests, recently suffered a side strain on the second day of the third Test at Edgbaston against Australia and was therefore ruled out of the fourth Test.
The team manager said that he will not be risked and hurried into the game unless he has completely recovered from the side injury which ruled him out of the 4th test.
The 33-year-old will be examined and if declared fit, will feature in the fifth test at The Oval. The England camp will be going in with a full strength team to win the fifth and final Test, and ensure a 4-1 series win.
Anderson has played well in the series and has picked up 10 wickets. He said, “It’s a bit sore; I felt something on one of the deliveries.It could be a number of things. It was on my 33rd birthday, after 12 years of professional cricket – that might have something to do with it.” Injuries happen to fast bowlers. I have been very fortunate in the last few years that I have not had many so you just have to take it on the chin. Hopefully I can come back stronger.”
Anderson will replace Mark Footitt, the fastest left-arm England bowler.
The National selector James Whitaker said: “James Anderson is continuing to improve and with ten days to go before the Test he may be able to play a part at The Oval although with the series won we will not be taking any chances given the games we have in the coming months. Regaining the Ashes is a superb achievement and is down to 18 months of hard work from the players and coaches and support from many people since the last series in Australia. The contributions of so many different players at key times throughout the series so far are hugely encouraging.”
England has been cautious with Anderson and used him wisely. Even though he is unlikely to feature in the ODI team England’s schedule is tough ahead as they will play a three-Test series against Pakistan in the UAE which starts in mid-October then face South Africa in a four-match contest starting on Boxing Day.
England squad:
Alastair Cook (capt), Adam Lyth, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Steven Finn, James Anderson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid
