Why Anderson absence could cost England

Though they claimed a stunning victory inside three days at Edgbaston, England’s mission to regain the Ashes hit a substantial hurdle in the third Test courtesy of an injury to strike bowler James Anderson.

Anderson has withdrawn from the fourth Test at Trent Bridge due to a side strain, with Mark Wood – who played in the first two Tests before succumbing to ankle soreness – set to replace him.

Fellow speedsters Liam Plunkett and Mark Footitt have also been called into the England squad as cover ahead of the all-important clash, beginning Thursday in Nottingham.

“I'm hoping to be fit for The Oval. It is not an intercostal injury. That is not the word I heard when they told me what it was,” Anderson said. “‘Broady’ (Stuart Broad), who has experience of these kind of injuries, told me not to bowl another ball.

“I set off but pulled up and didn't want to risk it. I've been fortunate with injuries so you just have to take it on the chin. The medical team were happy with me and didn't think it was too serious.”

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Anderson’s absence for the fourth Test takes on further significance when two statistics are factored into matters.

First, the 33-year-old boasts a phenomenal record at Trent Bridge, having claimed 53 wickets in eight matches at an average of 19 at the venue, including his only two 10-wicket hauls in Tests.

One of those was in a man-of-the-match display against Australia in the 2013 Ashes.

"It is disappointing,” captain Alastair Cook admitted. “Jimmy's record at Trent Bridge is brilliant.

"I said at the beginning of the week we have an opportunity at 1-1 to do something really special in the next three games.

"Now it is an opportunity for someone lucky enough to replace Jimmy to do something very special."

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The second statistic underlines just what a constant figure Anderson has been for England – and in their successes – over recent times.

The right-arm quick has missed just eight Test matches in the past eight years, and England’s only two victories from those matches without their spearhead came against Bangladesh.

In the other six Tests, they were beaten by New Zealand and West Indies, and drew thrice with Sri Lanka and once with West Indies.

And while the absence of a man with 413 Test wickets is undoubtedly a key loss for any side, coach Trevor Bayliss can at least rest soundly in the knowledge that a resurgent Steve Finn – who was man of the match in Birmingham with eight wickets – together with a returning Wood and the quality of Broad, backed up by the spin of Moeen Ali and the extra pace option in Ben Stokes, is an attack capable of continuing to cause Australia problems.

The tourists average 274 in five completed innings at Trent Bridge since the turn of the century, while no Australian has posted three figures at the ground since David Boon made 101 in 1993. 

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