Ashes 2019: James Anderson ruled out of second Test
England have been dealt with a huge blow right after the loss in the first Ashes 2019 Test at Edgbaston. Their premier fast bowler James Anderson has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test at Lord's with a calf injury. Anderson bowled only four on Day 1 of the first Test and didn't return after that. Here are the details.
Anderson to sit out of Lord's Test starting August 14
An MRI scan confirmed an injury and that will see Anderson miss the second Test. The management decided on his unavailability for the next match starting on August 14. Earlier, according to a report in the Evening Standard, it was said that a more realistic return date would be at Old Trafford on September 4. England will not want to rush Anderson back.
Anderson's calf injury comes back to haunt him
Anderson had earlier picked up a calf injury and missed out on the one-off Test match against Ireland last week. He was named in the first match's XI against Australia and was expected to lead the bowling unit. But the 37 year-old was bothered by the same issue. It remains to be seen how long does it take for Anderson to recover.
How things led to Anderson's misery?
Anderson suffered a tear to the muscle playing for Lancashire against Durham earlier last month. That ruled him out of the one-off match against Ireland. Anderson was desperate to play and England wanted to present him with every opportunity to prove his fitness. But not getting a match under his belt came back to haunt the hosts. England lost the Test by 251 runs.
Root defends decision to include Anderson at Edgbaston
England skipper Joe Root opined on Anderson's inclusion. "It was a group decision to select him. He passed every fitness test, we went about it how you normally would. It's one of those freak things, he pulled up in the middle of a game."
England suffer in Anderson's absence
In Anderson's absence, England let Australia off the hook. From 122/8, the Aussies managed 284 after a brilliant century from Steve Smith (144). Stuart Broad managed to take five wickets. England got a 90-run lead, but things weren't enough. Aussies fought back in the second innings with Smith scoring 142. England bowlers toiled hard as the match went out of grasp.
Archer likely to replace Anderson at Lord's
England will replace Anderson with 2019 World Cup hero Jofra Archer. The 24-year-old is in line to make his Ashes debut at Lord's. Archer will be raring to have a crack at Australia and make things count in Anderson's absence.
