Anderson out of fourth Test

31 July 2015 09:31

James Anderson will miss the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge because of the side strain he suffered on day two at Edgbaston.

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Friday morning that their leading Test wicket-taker will be unavailable for the remainder of the third match of the series, and in Nottingham next week too.

Anderson had to leave the pitch mid-over after pulling out of his action in pain as England closed on a likely victory here, which would put them 2-1 up with two to play against Australia.

The injury was assessed overnight, and an ECB statement read: " England bowler James Anderson has been ruled out of remainder of the current Investec Ashes Test with a side strain.

"Anderson will be unavailable for the fourth Test, beginning on Thursday August 6 at Trent Bridge, and his availability for the final Test in the series will be determined in due course."

Anderson helped to put England on track to go in front in the series, with six first-innings wickets in Birmingham.

Likely replacements for him in the squad to be named for Trent Bridge include uncapped left-armer Mark Footitt, Yorkshire's Liam Plunkett and fit-again Warwickshire seamer Chris Woakes.

England's most obvious option to complete their seam attack for the fourth Test, however, is to recall Mark Wood, who took part in the first two Tests but was rested here in favour of Steven Finn.

Source: PA