Anderson told to rest ahead of Ashes

County Cricket

Veteran England fast bowler James Anderson may have been dropped from the ODI side to face New Zealand, but has been told he cannot play for Lancashire for the next few weeks as he must rest up before the Ashes.

Anderson may have become England's first 400-plus Test wicket-taker, but was not at his best against New Zealand in the Tests, and was one of a few senior players to be dropped from the ODI side.

As such, while many England players not involved in the ODIs, like Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad, have returned to County action, Anderson has not. The Red Roses hope to have him back in action by late June.

Lancashire cricket director and head coach Ashley Giles said: "I don't expect him to be available in the next couple of weeks, but I hope he comes and plays for us before the Ashes.

"He is clearly an important asset going into the Ashes, so I understand the predicament they are in. But, from a personal point of view, I'd like him to play for Lancashire at some point."

Interim England coach Paul Farbrace had said after the Kiwi Tests: "It’s always difficult to strike the balance after the demands of back-to-back Tests, with a one-day series coming up so quickly.

"But we are keen for our players to get back to their counties whenever it’s possible as we know they enjoy making a contribution. We want the county supporters to have chance to see them in the flesh."

County Cricket England latest-news new-zealand-in-england

Latest