NEW DELHI: James Anderson, England’s top test bowler, says he expects to recover from his groin injury in a few weeks.
However, he has decided not to rush his return for the one-off test against Ireland on June 1 to ensure he is fully fit for the Ashes Series.
Anderson suffered a groin injury while playing for Lancashire last week but was named in the 15-man test squad against Ireland from June 1. The first ash test will take place in Edgbaston from June 16.
The 40-year-old is England’s top bowler in Tests, with 685 wickets, and is crucial to their chances after compatriot Jofra Archer was ruled out of the Ashes with an elbow injury.
“Obviously it’s not great to get injured, but it’s probably the best result for what it is because it’s a low level thing. I think in a couple of weeks I’ll be back in full form,” Anderson told the BBC’s Tailenders podcast.
“It’s frustrating because you still want to feel good and bowl enough before a set and you want to be fresh. So now it’s about trying to plan the best route this summer.
“I felt like I needed to play this game, so it’s not ideal, but I’m not stressed about it.”
Anderson said he was trying to avoid a similar situation from 2019 when he injured himself on the first day of the first Test against Australia.
A calf injury ruled him out of the rest of the campaign as Australia retained the Ashes after the 2-2 draw in England.
However, he has decided not to rush his return for the one-off test against Ireland on June 1 to ensure he is fully fit for the Ashes Series.
Anderson suffered a groin injury while playing for Lancashire last week but was named in the 15-man test squad against Ireland from June 1. The first ash test will take place in Edgbaston from June 16.
The 40-year-old is England’s top bowler in Tests, with 685 wickets, and is crucial to their chances after compatriot Jofra Archer was ruled out of the Ashes with an elbow injury.
“Obviously it’s not great to get injured, but it’s probably the best result for what it is because it’s a low level thing. I think in a couple of weeks I’ll be back in full form,” Anderson told the BBC’s Tailenders podcast.
“It’s frustrating because you still want to feel good and bowl enough before a set and you want to be fresh. So now it’s about trying to plan the best route this summer.
“I felt like I needed to play this game, so it’s not ideal, but I’m not stressed about it.”
Anderson said he was trying to avoid a similar situation from 2019 when he injured himself on the first day of the first Test against Australia.
A calf injury ruled him out of the rest of the campaign as Australia retained the Ashes after the 2-2 draw in England.
“I take it day by day and see how it goes because obviously I don’t want to risk anything by making it worse,” Anderson added.
“I’m more confident that I can pull off this one (compared to 2019) and give the Ashes a good chance.”
(With contributions from Reuters)
