Anderson set to return for Newlands Test

Cricket365
January 8, 2016

England coach Trevor Bayliss said that the 'signs look good' that seamer James Anderson will return to the Three Lions' starting team for the second Test against South Africa, which starts at Newlands on Saturday.

The 33 year-old Anderson, who is England's highest-ever wicket-taker in Test cricket with 426 victims, missed his team's 241-run victory over the Proteas in the first Test, which concluded in Durban on Wednesday, due to a calf injury.

Anderson went through a bowling stint on the Kingsmead pitch after the first Test but Bayliss said they will only make a call on the paceman's fitness when they get to Cape Town.

Bayliss said: "We'll make the decision when we get to Cape Town. The signs look good and he's been working hard but we'll have to wait and see how he pulls up."

Captain Alastair Cook said after the Durban Test: "At the moment it's probably quite positive. He's done everything the medical team have asked of him. I'll sit down and speak with him and see how he is."

Former England captain Nasser Hussain feels Anderson will return to the tourists' side for the Newlands Test, and it will be worth the risk.

Hussain told Sky Sports: "England wouldn't be talking Anderson up if there was any kind of doubt.

"In a four-man attack you probably wouldn't risk Anderson but in a five-man attack if you have the chance of bringing back your greatest-ever wicket taker, why not do it?"