James Anderson ruled out of rest of Ashes series, Craig Overton added to squad
James Anderson has been ruled out of the remaining Ashes series after a flare-up of his calf injury, as England announce Craig Overton has been added to the fourth Test squad.
James Anderson takes his 500th Test wicket
James Anderson has been ruled out of the remaining Ashes series after a continuation of his calf injury.
The seamer bowled 20 overs for Lancashire’s second team earlier this week, but felt the injury get worse after his spell.
Anderson was reviewed by the ECB’s medical team, who confirmed that the bowler shouldn’t take part in the remaining two Ashes Tests.
Somerset seamer Craig Overton returns to the Test squad in his place, after last being selected in March 2018.
Anderson was reviewed by the ECB’s medical team, who confirmed that the bowler shouldn’t take part in the remaining two Ashes Tests
An ECB statement read: “England and Lancashire seamer James Anderson has been ruled out for the rest of the Specsavers Ashes series.
“Whilst bowling in the ninth over on Thursday in Lancashire’s second XI four-day friendly against Durham at Chester Boughton Hall Cricket Club, Anderson became aware of right calf pain following on from 20 overs he had bowled on Tuesday.
“He immediately sought a medical assessment from Lancashire and was withdrawn from the remainder of the game.
“Further review with the ECB medical team has confirmed that he will be unavailable for the remaining two Specsavers Ashes Tests.”
Anderson picked up the initial injury during the first day of the first Test.
He didn’t reappear after the first session after tweaking his calf, and only came out to bat for the remaining two England innings.
It came after the bowler was a serious doubt for the Ashes while pulling up in a Lancashire County Championship match ahead of the first Test.
England will be relying on the pace of Jofra Archer in the absence of Anderson.
The ECB confirmed that Anderson wasn’t available for the remaining series during its squad announcement for the fourth Test.
Other than Anderson’s omission, and Overton’s addition, the squad remains unchanged.
Full 13-man England squad for the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford
Root, Archer, Bairstow, Broad, Burns, Buttler, (S) Curran, Denly, Leach, Overton, Roy, Stokes, Woakes