‘I’ll be back to full fitness’ - James Anderson provides key injury update ahead of Ashes

With the Ashes series scheduled to begin from June 16, both the English and Australian cricket boards would hope that their players would be at their best both physically and mentally. Recently, however, the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) faced a major setback as veteran pacer James Anderson sustained a groin injury. 

Anderson sustained a mild strain on his right groin. The 40-year-old sustained the injury on the opening day of Lancashire's County Championship match against Somerset. However, he came forward to give an update on his injury problems. 

Talking to the BBC’s Tailenders podcast, Anderson said, "I’m not worried about it, It’s obviously not great getting injured, but it’s probably the best outcome for what it is, because it’s a low-grade thing, and I think in a couple of weeks I’ll be back to full fitness."

It’s frustrating because you always want to feel good: Anderson

Ahead of the Ashes series, England will take on Ireland in a one-off Test that is scheduled to begin on June 1. Despite the minor injury scare to Anderson, the side would hope that the veteran pacer could be available for the game and subsequently for the marquee series against Australia as well.

Keeping in mind that Anderson has been the spearhead of the bowling attack in the English Test team for quite a few years now, having played 179 Test matches for England, the 40-year-old has taken a whopping 685 wickets, and it could be crucial for the side that he returns to his best in the Ashes. Anderson also came forward to talk about how frustrated he was with the minor injury scare and how he hoped to be back to full fitness as soon as possible.

"It’s frustrating because you always want to feel good and get enough bowling in before a series, and you want to be fresh, so it’s now about trying to plan the best route through this summer. I felt like I needed to play this game, so it’s not ideal, but I’m not stressed about it," Anderson added.