James Anderson has been one of the most prolific bowlers for the England Test side over the years. The 40-year-old had an injury scare playing in County cricket earlier. But the pacer has declared that he will be able to regain full fitness ahead of the 2023 Ashes series.
Anderson had suffered a groin injury for Lancashire playing against Somerset earlier this month. He was in great form as he picked up 16 wickets in just four matches in County Championship division one this season. England captain Ben Stokes would have been relieved after Ollie Robinson confirmed his full fitness last week Anderson has now declared himself available for the Ashes.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the veteran confirmed that his injury is now better and that he will ‘step it up’ at Lancashire in the coming days. Anderson said, “It [groin injury] is good. It is not too serious. I have been back bowling and running and confident I will be fit and firing soon. The idea is to try and step it up here at Lancashire over the next couple of days and then meet up with England on Sunday and see where I get to.”
He continued that it's still not decided whether he will take part in the Ireland test but he will take part in the Ashes. He said, “ I am in the squad for the Ireland Test but we have to make a call on that nearer to the time. Yes definitely [he will be fit for the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston]. It feels really good and as if it has reacted to treatment.”
England is having an injury crisis in the fast bowling department with Jofra Archer and Ollie Stone out but with Anderson and Robinson fit they will be looking to regain the urn for the first time since 2015. The Ashes are set to start in Edgbaston on June 16 and the one-off test against Ireland starts at Lords on June 1.