England pacer Anderson in doubt for first Pakistan Test

The right-arm swing bowler is believed to be suffering from stress fracture in his shoulder blade

One of the biggest threats to Pakistani batting line-up in the upcoming series against England, James Anderson, might miss the first Test against Misbahul Haq and co.

The right-arm swing bowler is believed to be suffering from stress fracture in his bowling shoulder’s blade.

The 33-year-old was a force to be reckoned with when he bagged 21 wickets in three Tests for England against Sri Lanka. The feat helped him bag first position on International Cricket Council’s Test rankings.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed Anderson will now miss Lancashire’s County Championship match against Nottinghamshire early next month – what was meant to be his sole red-ball warm-up ahead of the first Test.

Will do our best to face Anderson: Shan Masood

Earlier, Pakistan batsman Shan Masood had said that openers would do their best to play Anderson in the upcoming tour of England.

Speaking at a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the left-handed opener said that he would take it as a challenge to face bowlers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad during Pakistan’s tour of England next month.

“We have to take this as a challenge and work hard in order to prevail in the series against England,” he said.

Responding to a question about how he faltered in front of England’s Anderson in UAE in the past, Masood said that the scenario has now changed and he can make amends for his previous poor performance.

“For Anderson, those were difficult bowling conditions, yet he was focused on getting the best outcome,” he said.

“Similarly, I can also focus on improving and performing well on England’s pitches, which are generally considered to be a batsman’s nightmare,” he added.

Anderson's fracture story was reported by cricket.com.au