Groin injury leaves James Anderson doubtful for first Test against South Africa

England’s spearhead James Anderson is less likely of getting fit for the first Test against South Africa. While bowling for Lancashire in the Roses match on Friday, Anderson collapsed in pain. It has been confirmed by a spokesperson for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that he will not be bowling further in the current game against Yorkshire.

However, the decision of his involvement in the first Test will become clearer only after Sunday when he has a scan on his groin injury. Anderson will also be evaluated by the England’s medical staff after the scan. The record wicket taker for England still has time to get fit ahead of the first Test against South Africa, which starts on July 7 at the iconic cricket stadium Lord’s.

They will miss Jimmy

He has been the go-to bowler for England over the years, however, this injury is quite likely to make his life difficult. The pacer will now have to prove that he still has the knack of being among England’s first-choice bowlers. His county side Lancashire has another four championship matches before the tour so Anderson definitely has opportunities by his side to prove his fitness even though it will depend on the severity of the injury largely.

Without Jimmy in the attack, it is definitely going to be a tough task ahead for Lancashire and thus his county is hopeful that the injury is not as bad as feared.

James Anderson has played 122 Tests and 194 ODIs for England so far in which he has scalped 467 and 269 wickets respectively. He is England’s all-time highest international wicket-taker when combined across all three formats and the nation’s leading wicket-taker in Test and ODI cricket. The right-arm pacer also has 21 Test and 2 ODI five-wicket hauls to his name.