Veterans racing the clock for first Test

England's all-time leading wicket taker James Anderson is confident he will be fit to return to the national side for the upcoming five-Test series against India after undergoing rehabilitation on a long-standing shoulder injury.

But Anderson’s new-ball partner Stuart Broad is set to undergo further scans on his injured ankle as he races to be fit for the first Test at Edgbaston from August 1. 

Anderson – who has taken 540 wickets in 138 Tests – has been out of action since early June, but the ECB said this week the right-armer will look prove his fitness in a second XI game for his county Lancashire on July 15.

He is then due to play a County Championship match against old rivals Yorkshire on July 22 before the Tests get underway.

The 35-year-old has described the schedule for the Test series against India as "ridiculous", with all five matches to be crammed into a six-week period.

"My shoulder has been an issue ongoing for the last couple of years and it is just managing it and looking after it best way I can," he told the BBC last month. 

"I just need to get in the gym and get it strong.

"The India schedule is ridiculous with five Tests in six weeks and that will put a lot of stress on it.

"The way the fixtures have fallen it is a shame I will miss some games for Lancashire." 

While Anderson appears to be on track for the first Test, Broad’s participation is less certain. 

The Daily Mail is reporting Broad is set for a third scan on the ankle he injured playing for Nottinghamshire in England’s first-class competition last Thursday. 

Reports say Broad is still feeling pain in the joint and will have just one more four-day clash – against Surrey at Trent Bridge from July 22 – prior to the first Test against India.