Ashes blow for England as Anderson sustains groin injury

Mainul Islam

May 16, 2023

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Mainul Islam

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Ashes blow for England as Anderson sustains groin injury

England’s James Anderson suffers mild groin strain ahead of Ashes.

Late Sunday, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced that James Anderson has sustained a “mild strain to his right groin” just a month before the Ashes get underway. Anderson, who is the most successful fast bowler in Test history with 685 wickets, suffered the injury during Lancashire’s County Championship match against Somerset at Old Trafford. He took no further part in the match, which ended in a draw on Sunday. The ECB said that Anderson’s fitness will be evaluated closer to the time of the lone Test against Ireland at Lord’s starting on June 1. England will name a squad for the Ireland game later this week, which precedes a five-match Ashes series against Australia commencing on June 16. The injury was not deemed “anything too serious” by Lancashire coach Glen Chapple, who stated that Anderson had a scan on the injury on Saturday.

Ahead of the Ashes, England will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the 2019 opener at Edgbaston, where James Anderson was only able to bowl four overs before being forced to withdraw due to a torn calf, sustained while playing for Lancashire. As substitutes are not permitted to bowl, Anderson’s absence left a significant gap in England’s attack, contributing to Australia’s eventual 251-run victory.

This latest injury to Anderson adds to a growing list of fitness problems among England’s fast bowlers. Jofra Archer has been out with a recurring elbow problem, while Olly Stone suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Nottinghamshire. Brydon Carse, who has yet to play in a Test match, was sidelined with a side injury sustained while playing for Durham.

England will name their squad for the upcoming Test against Ireland later this week. Anderson’s fitness will be assessed closer to the time of the match, which begins on June 1st at Lord’s. After the Ireland game, England will face arch-rivals Australia in a five-match Ashes series beginning on June 16th.

Last Updated: May 16, 2023