Anderson blow dampens England surge

31 July 2015 03:31

England are on the brink of a 2-1 Ashes lead at Edgbaston, but already appear to be bracing themselves for James Anderson's absence from next week's fourth Investec Test.

Anderson had to leave the field mid-over on day two in Birmingham, wincing in pain with an injury England later described as a "tight side".

They ought to be able to close out a resounding victory without him, with Australia 168 for seven in their second innings and just 23 runs in front.

Steven Finn had much to do with England's surge towards a mid-series advantage, taking five for 45 to push his match tally up to seven wickets in his comeback Test after two years out of the team.

But even as he reflected on that heartening success so far, Finn admitted concerns that Anderson - who took six first-innings wickets here - may not be fit to take part on his happiest hunting ground of all in Nottingham next week.

"For Jimmy to walk off halfway through an over, it can't be too good," he said.

"But who knows - with some magical medical healing and some rehab, you never know.

"Jimmy loves bowling at Trent Bridge - everyone knows that.

"If he was to miss it, it would be a big loss - but we don't know yet."

Anderson hurt himself on his 33rd birthday, as England closed in on a win which would complete a remarkable turnaround after their embarrassing 405-run defeat at Lord's.

"He's a huge player for us, the leader of our attack," Finn said of his country's all-time leading wicket-taker.

"He sets the tone with everything he does.

"Even when the ball was flying around, he controlled the run-rate."

Australia took the match into a third day largely thanks to opener David Warner, who hit a defiant 77.

He knows how important Anderson is to England, but had praise for Finn too.

"Obviously it's going to be a big loss for them, but we've seen what Steven Finn can do," he said.

"He produced a fantastic spell."

Finn is returning to Test cricket for the first time following a series of anxieties over his run-up and delivery since figuring in the opening match of the last Ashes series in this country.

He is delighted with his performance so far, but refuses to take victory for granted yet.

"We're still three wickets and some runs away from winning this game, so it is by no means done," he said.

"But it was good fun and we can sit in the changing room with a smile on our face."

That is especially true for him, after his mid-career blip.

"There have been dark times along the way, but it makes those good times all the more satisfying," said Finn.

"To be sat here and help put the team in this position, it feels pretty darn good."

Source: PA