James Anderson gave England an early the Ashes 2019 scare when he left the field mid-over playing for Lancashire against Durham. England have announced that he will play no further part in the match, which still has its final day tomorrow.
The Ashes starts in 30 days, with Anderson still a key figure for England. Yesterday he took his 950th first-class wicket (that of Graham Clark after he dismissed Cameron Bancroft), at Sedbergh School, in his sixth Championship match of the season.
This morning, though, he walked off unaided holding his calf two balls into the 19th over of Durham’s first innings. He had attempted to complete the delivery but will be taking no risks with his fitness. He turns the 37 two days before the Ashes begins.
An England statement early in the afternoon said: "Jimmy Anderson has sustained tightness to his right calf. He will not bowl again in the game and will continue to be assessed."
England’s seam stocks for the Ashes look strong, but Anderson is the undisputed leader of the attack. Stuart Broad is also likely to start the series, with Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes vying to join him.
