Ashes 2019: James Anderson likely to miss next two Tests
England are likely to be without the services of James Anderson for the remainder of the first Test and the next two matches as well. The veteran pacer suffered a calf injury in the ongoing first Test match against Australia at Edgbaston. Anderson bowled only four on Day 1 of the Ashes 2019 first Test and didn't return after that. Here is more.
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. Anderson 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 looks almost certain that he would miss at least the next two Tests.
Injuries taking a toll now
England will not want to rush Anderson back due to fear of exacerbating the injury which could have an adverse effect. According to a report in the Evening Standard, a more realistic return date would be at Old Trafford on September 4. This is Anderson's second right calf injury this summer. He also suffers from chronic right-shoulder issues that have caused him immense pain.
Anderson had suffered a muscle tear in July
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. His preparations for the Ashes were also hampered by rain this week, which didn't allow him to bowl much.
Smith scores a ton 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 to move to 449 wickets and also 100 in the Ashes. He revealed that Anderson was left distraught and apologized to the bowlers. At the end of Day 2, England trail by 17 runs.
He's down in the dumps, says Broad
"He's not had the results back yet but he's down, he's frustrated, and he's said sorry to the bowlers — not that he has to. He's down in the dumps as he feels he's let the bowling group down but he hasn't," said Broad.
