James Anderson hopes to return for the fifth Ashes Test
England pacer James Anderson was ruled out of the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge because of the injury he sustained in the Edgbaston Test on the second day. He is hopeful to be fit for Test at the Oval scheduled to start on August 20th.
Anderson was injured in Australia's second innings when he felt some pain on the left side and had to leave the field. The England Cricket Board called the injury a "tight side" which was to be "assessed overnight".
After securing an eight-wicket win over Australia, Anderson said, "I'm not going to play the next game, unfortunately, but I'm hoping I can get myself fit for the Oval. It's a bit sore, I felt something on one of the deliveries yesterday and Stuart Broad, who's had experience of that sort of injury, said 'Don't bowl another ball and risk it'. I set off for another one and then thought, he's right."
"I've never had that sort of injury before. I felt a bit stiff, I just put it down to that and the next ball I could feel something so I came off". he added.
"The last 24 hours has been talking to the medical team and trying to figure out if it is realistic," he said, of his chances of playing at The Oval. "They were pretty happy with me this morning, checked me over and were happy it didn't look too serious, so that's what I'm aiming for."
Mark Wood might be first in line to replace Anderson at Trent Bridge. He missed out at the Edgbaston Test due to ankle trouble. Liam Plunkett and the uncapped Mark Footitt are also being considered. Chris Woakes was in the Test side last season and has been trying to recuperate from injury. Chris Jordan too has not come into the picture after sustaining a side strain in June.
England skipper, Alastair Cook, stated that it would be a great opportunity for someone to join the side and create a good impression.
"It's obviously a huge miss because Jimmy is outstanding, but it gives an opportunity," Cook said. "We had an opportunity, at 1-1 in the series, to grab it and we've done it as a side, now it will give whoever is selected that opportunity to fill Jimmy's boots. Yes, it's going to be hard but it's and opportunity for someone to stand up."
Anderson played a key role in restricting Australia to 136 in the first innings after taking six wickets. In the second innings, he dismissed top scorer, David Warner to end with 1 for 15 in 8.3 overs. England have taken a 2-1 lead in the series.
He has a noteworthy record of 53 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 19.24 at Trent Bridge. He has taken a ten-wicket haul and six five-wicket hauls in the last two years. In his last appearance on there, he scored 81, coming in at No. 11 and made his maiden Test fifty in a record stand of 198 against India.