James Anderson pulls out of squad for first-ever Test match against Ireland
James Anderson has been ruled out of the first Test match against Ireland which will be played at Lord’s after an MRI scan revealed that he has suffered a right calf tear. Anderson will now shift his focus on rehabilitation ahead of a challenging outing against arch-rivals Australia in the Ashes.
England’s highest wicket-taker in Tests James Anderson has been officially ruled out of the Ireland Test match which is set to be held at Lord’s. An MRI scan revealed that Anderson is suffering a right calf injury. The pacer will continue to be assessed ahead of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston which will be played on August 1.
The England spearhead picked up the injury in a game for his county, Lancashire, earlier this month and an MRI scan later confirmed it was a tear.
Anderson was always in doubt to make the Ireland Test and will focus on getting fit for the opening Ashes Test which begins a week later on Thursday. That means, that either Olly Stone or Lewis Gregory make their Test debut. Stone has been tipped to make the starting XI as he is the quickest bowler in the squad due to the absence of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer.
