ECB says James Anderson’s fitness will be assessed from June 1 after seamer picks up groin strain ahead of Test against Ireland; Lancashire coach Glen Chapple on Anderson’s injury: „I don’t think it’s too serious”; „Bowling is a challenge” for England captain Ben Stokes at the moment
13:51, UK, Monday 15 May 2023
The ECB released a statement on Sunday confirming that England and Lancashire seamer James Anderson has suffered a slight strain to his right hip.
Anderson was missing for a third day as the Lancashire County Championship tie with Somerset ended in a draw, with head coach Glenn Chapple saying after the game: „I don’t think it’s too serious.”
The ECB said Anderson’s fitness „will be assessed closer to the time of the LV= Insurance Test match against Ireland, which starts on Thursday 1 June 2022 at Lord’s”.
They will hope that Anderson’s injury will not put him in doubt for the opening Ashes Test at Edgbaston, starting on Friday 16 June, with their bowling already depleted by injuries to pace duo Jofra Archer and Ollie Stone.
England’s all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson says playing in all five Ashes Tests against Australia this summer will be a big demand on his body.
Archer made an early return from the Indian Premier League due to discomfort in his right elbow, while Stone faced several weeks on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring on duty for Nottinghamshire.
Anderson managed just four overs in the last home series against Australia in 2019 before being ruled out with a leg problem on the opening morning of the series.
Meanwhile, Test captain Ben Stokes bowled just one over for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League, with the franchise’s head coach Stephen Fleming saying, „Ben’s ability to bowl overs is a bit more challenging at the moment.” .
The all-rounder has only featured in two games this season, with Chennai currently favoring other overseas players including England’s Moeen Ali and looking at Stokes as „batting cover”.
Stokes’ long-term left knee injury flared up during the tour of New Zealand in February, when he picked up a toe problem, and then another unspecified „setback” later in the IPL season.