Anderson on track for first Test against India

England seamer James Anderson is in line to be fit for the start of the five-match Test series against India as he makes his return after resting a troublesome shoulder injury.

The 35-year-old Anderson, who is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket with 540 scalps in 138 games, has been out of action since early June but is scheduled to return in a second XI match for his county Lancashire on July 15.

Anderson is then likely to play a first-class fixture for Lancashire against rivals Yorkshire from 22 July in time for the first Test against India that starts on 1 August in Birmingham.

A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board read: “England seamer Jimmy Anderson will make his return to competitive cricket for Lancashire second XI in a three-day match against Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford starting on July 15.

“Anderson, who has not played since the second Test victory over Pakistan on June 3, has spent the past month rehabilitating a long-standing right shoulder injury and returned to bowling working with Lancashire and England staff in the past seven days.

“As part of his plan, before the first Test against India starting on August 1, he will play for Lancashire seconds against Nottinghamshire and the Roses match in the County Championship Division One match against Yorkshire at Old Trafford starting on July 22.”

Anderson, who has been troubled with the shoulder injury for the past two years, acknowledged after England squared the two-match Test series with Pakistan – in which he took nine wickets at an average of 19.11 – he needed to rest it, with the India matches coming thick and fast.

He said: “I just need to get in the gym and get it strong.

“The India schedule is ridiculous with five Tests in six weeks and that will put a lot of stress on it.”

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