The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and Opinions
England bowler James Anderson is set to miss the remainder of the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston and the Fourth Test at Trent Bridge after suffering a back strain in day two of the third Test.
The 33 year old, who took six Australian wickets on day one at Edgbaston as Australia were all out for 136, injured himself on the second day as England regained control.
Anderson took another wicket yesterday as the tourists were reduced to 168-7, leaving the hosts firmly in control. The fourth Test starts on 6 August with the fifth Test on 20 August.
It is unsure exactly when the 33 year old will return with the England medical team assessing his injuries. He has not yet been ruled out of the fifth Test at the Oval, but the ECB said that the bowler’s availability for the final Test would be “determined in due course.”
It’s a big loss for England as they look to regain the lead in the series after a dismal effort in the second Test at Lord’s.
Having taken 10 Aussie wickets so far in this series, the Lancashire bowler will be disappointed to miss the match in Nottingham, where he has taken 53 wickets. In addition, Anderson, who will miss the fourth Test at Lord’s, has taken 75 in that particular venue.
Mark Wood is Anderson’s likely replacement for the Test at Trent Bridge, having been dropped for third Test due to injury, allowing Steven Finn to fill the void.
