Anderson earns recall for Sri Lanka finale
England fast-bowler will have to prove fitness to play third Test.
LONDON:
Fast-bowler James Anderson is set for an England return after being named in a 12-man squad for the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Rose Bowl that starts on June 16.
However, England’s premier strike bowler – who missed the drawn second Test at Lord’s with a side strain – must first prove his fitness when he plays for Lancashire in a Twenty20 match against Worcestershire.
Anderson replaces the uncapped Jade Dernbach, who was drafted into the squad in his absence. Selector Geoff Miller termed Anderson’s return as important but stressed that he would have to prove his fitness first.
“He’s the leader of our attack so clearly he’ll be a significant inclusion should he get through Lancashire’s Twenty20 match,” said Miller.
“Side strains can be troublesome for bowlers but given Jimmy’s injury was a grade one strain and therefore a low-grade injury, he’s expected to be fit for selection. A period of recovery has certainly been beneficial and we wouldn’t include Jimmy in the squad if the medical staff weren’t confident of his fitness.”
England’s four-man attack struggled for accuracy without Anderson at Lord’s. Either Steven Finn, who took the swing specialist’s place in the playing-eleven, or the under-performing Stuart Broad would appear to be in line to make way if Anderson plays in what will be the first Test ever staged at the home ground of southern county Hampshire.
England lead the three-match series 1-0 after an innings and 14-run win in the first Test in Cardiff.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 13th, 2011.
Fast-bowler James Anderson is set for an England return after being named in a 12-man squad for the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Rose Bowl that starts on June 16.
However, England’s premier strike bowler – who missed the drawn second Test at Lord’s with a side strain – must first prove his fitness when he plays for Lancashire in a Twenty20 match against Worcestershire.
Anderson replaces the uncapped Jade Dernbach, who was drafted into the squad in his absence. Selector Geoff Miller termed Anderson’s return as important but stressed that he would have to prove his fitness first.
“He’s the leader of our attack so clearly he’ll be a significant inclusion should he get through Lancashire’s Twenty20 match,” said Miller.
“Side strains can be troublesome for bowlers but given Jimmy’s injury was a grade one strain and therefore a low-grade injury, he’s expected to be fit for selection. A period of recovery has certainly been beneficial and we wouldn’t include Jimmy in the squad if the medical staff weren’t confident of his fitness.”
England’s four-man attack struggled for accuracy without Anderson at Lord’s. Either Steven Finn, who took the swing specialist’s place in the playing-eleven, or the under-performing Stuart Broad would appear to be in line to make way if Anderson plays in what will be the first Test ever staged at the home ground of southern county Hampshire.
England lead the three-match series 1-0 after an innings and 14-run win in the first Test in Cardiff.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 13th, 2011.