Ashes 2023: James Anderson offers new injury update as Australia opener looms
The supporters of the English cricket team can finally breathe a sigh of relief as James Anderson provides the fans with some positive updates on his injury ahead of the penultimate test series of the year, Ashes 2023.
Earlier last month, James Anderson suffered a minor injury while participating in the County Championship match for Lancashire. According to reports of Evening Standards, the player had suffered a groin strain.
James Anderson provides injury update
Following this injury, Anderson was ruled out of England’s “Only Test” against Ireland before the Ashes 2023 against Australia commenced. This left the fans in tandem and worried about the participation of the veteran bowler in the series.
There were numerous reports suggesting Anderson might not be able to make it. However, the player himself clarified the situation by saying, “in a couple of weeks I’ll be back to full fitness.”
According to the scans performed following his injury, it was revealed that the player had not suffered any major injury. The official report on the injury called it a “mild strain.”
Speaking on the famous Sports Podcast Tailenders, Anderson said, “It’s frustrating because you always want to feel good and get enough bowling in before a series, but you also want to be fresh. It is trying to plan the best route through the summer and I felt like I needed to play this game so it’s not ideal, but I’m not stressed about it.”
England fans will be delighted to read this news as they will not have to miss out anymore on their firepower, especially in the bowling department.
Injury woes for England ahead of Ashes 2023
Their ace bowler Jofra Archer was earlier withdrawn from the series. He had sustained a major injury of ruffled a former injury while playing in the Indian Premier League.
Representing Mumbai Indians in the tournament, Archer was ruled out mid-season. And soon after, it was announced that the player would not be featuring in the Ashes 2023 against Australia.
Hence, the English fans will be hoping to have their prestigious pair of Anderson and Broad at full potential throughout the 5-match series against their arch-rivals.
The pair together not only has a cumulative experience of 1000 test wickets but also brings a sense of stability to the team. They have been in different match situations that will be important for England to claim the Ashes.
Options a plenty for England
There is no doubt in the fact that England has a very talented pool of fast bowlers. Starting from the swing of Ollie Robbinson to Matty Potts, and the experience of Chris Woakes and the pace of Olly Stone. Yet, Anderson and Broad are both indispensable players on the team.
Therefore, James Anderson needs to be fully fit for the upcoming series.
England will begin their campaign of reclaiming the Urn against Australia at Edgbaston. After being battered 4-0 in the last series down under, England will be hoping for a resurgence.
Their last domination in the series came in 2015. They won the series by a margin of 3-2, which is a very competitive margin. However, after that, things have not been the same for them.
Therefore, England will be hoping for a change in fortune in the upcoming Ashes 2023. With a new captain and coach at the helm, they will hope to clinch the Urn at home turf.
