England could be without the world No.1 Test bowler at Lord's, while several other players are pushing for a recall
Anderson in doubt for Pakistan Test
England could head into their Test series against Pakistan without newly crowned world No.1 bowler James Anderson.
Anderson is in doubt for the first Test at Lord’s starting on July 14, with England’s record wicket-taker believed to be suffering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder blade.
The 33-year-old was in fine form in England’s 2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka earlier this month, capturing 21 wickets in three matches to claim top spot in the ICC’s Test bowler charts for the first time.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed Anderson will now miss Lancashire’s County Championship match against Nottinghamshire early next month – what was meant to be his sole red-ball warm-up ahead of the first Test. It leaves him facing a race against time to be fit to play Pakistan.
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Meanwhile, allrounder Ben Stokes is ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery and returned to action for Durham in their England domestic T20 showdown with Yorkshire on Friday night.
While he did not bowl, Stokes’ return will be heartening for England, who will now face a selection conundrum after the good form displayed by Stokers’ replacement Chris Woakes in the final two Tests against Sri Lanka.
England will have to make at least one change for the opening match against Pakistan, after No.3 batsman Nick Compton announced he was taking a break from cricket.
Leg-spinner turned batsman Scott Borthwick is in the frame to add to his tally of one Test, while England may also consider a recall for gloveman Jos Buttler after several costly drops by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow in the series against Sri Lanka, with the latter’s rich form with the bat enough for him to retain his place as a batsman alone.
Spinner Adil Rashid is also pushing for a recall, after an outstanding performance in the second one-day international against Sri Lanka on Friday.
Rashid claimed 2-34 from his 10 overs as the tourists were restricted to 7-254.