The veteran English fast-bowler James Anderson has been adviced to take a break from cricket for a period of six weeks in order to make sure that he will be completely fit for the Test series against India. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has said that England’s highest wicket-taker in Tests will be going through the “rehabilitation” on a longstanding right-shoulder injury.
Anderson, who has taken 540 wickets in 138 Tests, will now miss Lancashire’s next two County Championship matches against Worcestershire and Hampshire later this month. The home Test series against India will be lasting for six long weeks starting from August 1, and Anderson, who doesn’t play ODIs and T20Is anymore, said he needed the time away from the game to regain full fitness.
During BBC Radia’s Test special, Anderson said, “My shoulder has been an issue ongoing for the last couple of years and it is just managing it and looking after it best way I can. I just need to get to the gym and get it strong. The India schedule is ridiculous with five Tests in six weeks and that will put a lot of stress on it. The way the fixtures have fallen it is a shame I will miss some games for Lancashire.”
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Earlier, England coach Trevor Bayliss explained the reason for resting Anderson. He said, “We have five Tests against India in a six-week period from August 1, which will be an intense and challenging period for all our bowlers, and therefore it’s vital that we ensure Jimmy goes into that series in the best possible condition. Jimmy has to manage the issue with his right shoulder, and we’ve been advised that the best way for him to prepare for the India series is to take a six-week break from cricket now, initially to rest it and then to work slowly back to cricket.”
He further added, “That six-week period covers Lancashire’s two Championship matches (against Worcestershire and Hampshire) over the next three weeks. We will then monitor to see where Jimmy is at and ensuring he is ready for the India series.”
James had even carried the injury during the two-match Test series against Pakistan which resulted in a 1-1 draw and he even took nine wickets in total at an average of 19.11 in it.
