England receive James Anderson boost ahead of the first Test at Rajkot

England received a major boost ahead of the start of the Test series against India after it was revealed that fast bowling spearhead James Anderson is set to join England’s Test squad next week. It is understood that the Lancashire star, missed the drawn series in Bangladesh because of a stress fracture in his right shoulder, satisfied England’s medical staff, in a series of fitness tests over the past week in Loughborough, that he is sufficiently recovered from the stress fracture.

Anderson, however, is not likely to play in the first test at Rajkot but his return will definitely play a significant part in the tough five-match series.Anderson was forced to be out of action since mid-August and steadily worked towards rebuilding his fitness and pace over the last two weeks by bowling on the grass surface in the heated marquee outside the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough.

Anderson is set to arrive in Rajkot on Tuesday, ahead of England’s first ever Test in the Gujarat city. That would obviously be too late for him to be considered for the first Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. His early arrival will allow him to begin get used to the sub-continental conditions and train with his England team-mates and the England coaching staff on the tour.

Anderson told Jonathan Agnew when he was interviewed during the Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards at Lord’s last month that he remained hopeful of playing his part as England aim to repeat their 2-1 series win on their last Test tour of India in 2012.

Another England fast bowler who has been out injured, Mark Wood, has also been at the NCPC this week to begin his rehabilitation following a third ankle operation in 12 months. After surgery to remove a fractured bone fragment two weeks ago, Wood will now work with the five young bowlers who have been selected for the Pace Programme on this winter’s International Pathway.