ECB provide injury update on James Anderson ahead of Ashes 2023

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released an official statement to provide an update on James Anderson’s injury ahead of the eagerly-anticipated Ashes 2023. Notably, the seasoned pacer suffered a 'mild strain' to his right groin, as confirmed by the ECB, during the domestic match between Lancashire and Somerset at Emirates Old Trafford.

The 40-year-old was forced off the field after sustaining the blow to his groin and did not risk taking part in the final three days of the LV= Insurance County Championship Division One fixture. The pacer headed for scans upon which England’s management confirmed it to be a ‘mild strain’.

In addition to this, the ECB confirmed that Anderson’s injury will be further assessed just prior to the match against Ireland, which is slated to take place at Lord’s on Thursday, June 1. Meanwhile, the match between Lancashire and Somerset meandered to a stalemate on the fourth day on Sunday, May 14.

In addition to Anderson’s injury, the English side is without the services of pacer Olly Stone, who is confined to the sidelines owing to a hamstring injury. Furthermore, 28-year-old Jofra Archer too is suffering from a recurring elbow injury as he returned home in the midst of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The side will also assess Archer’s injury situation and could likely release a statement to provide an update.

England’s selection committee is set to announce the squad for the one-off Test match against Ireland at Lord’s in the forthcoming days. Moreover, it remains to be seen if the ECB takes the risk of including the seasoned pacer for the Test against the Irish side, keeping in mind the crucial Ashes 2023 series on the horizon. 

Following the Ireland Test match, the three Lions will turn their attention to the five-match Test series against Australia which will be contested between June 16 to July 31. England will hope that Anderson recovers well in time for the crucial series against the Aussies and makes it to the setup.