English cricket is collectively crossing its fingers that a groin injury to James Anderson is not a serious threat to their Ashes hopes.
Anderson was pulled from action for Lancashire on day two against Somerset at Old Trafford after bowling 14 overs on day one before feeling a twinge in the area. The 40-year-old seamer did not appear on the field at all on the second day as a precaution while he received attention from physio Sam Byrne.
The injury has been described by Lancashire as a ‘minor issue’ and it is hoped that further assessment will confirm there isn’t a tear.
Anderson was playing his fourth game of the season for Lancashire and his last before the Ireland Test at Lord’s in three weeks, so it is understandable that no chances will be taken if he feels even the slightest discomfort.
In 2019 a calf tear ruined his Ashes participation and he knows after more than 20 years at the coalface, injuries are a part of the job, whoever he is playing for. But he remains so vital to England's hopes this summer, any niggle will have the Ashes-loving public sweating on his fitness.
Anderson suffered a groin tear back in 2017 which was set to spoil his summer before the then 34-year-old recovered to play all seven matches against South Africa and West Indies, taking 39 wickets in the process.
Six years on, Anderson is still as important to England’s success as ever, but despite his careful management the body is not as young as it was, and soft tissue injuries could take a little longer to heal.
Skipper Ben Stokes has admitted he wants a battery of eight fast bowlers to choose from throughout the Ashes but with express duo Jofra Archer and Olly Stone all but ruled out of action already, an injury to their talisman five weeks out from the series is the last thing that England would have wanted.
