England team has suffered a body blow just weeks before their Ashes campaign

This is one of the rare English summers where the English fans can enjoy cricketing action without any other major sporting events. The Ashes which is the most glorified Test series in the history of the game will follow the World Cup 2019 on English soil. The Women’s Ashes is already underway with the first Test being played at Leicester. Now, the blockbuster Men’s series is just weeks away and the British hopes to regain the urn is in jeopardy as James Anderson has injured himself.

This will be the 71st Ashes series and England are looking hot favourites to win this one with the Kangaroos struggling in the classic format from last year. Though the Brits have some minor concerns in their batting order, the overall balance of the side gives them an edge over the Australian side. While Tim Paine’s team will be looking to set their record right on English soil, as they have not won a Test series in England since 2001.

Anderson’s injury a concern

Australia will be happy to see their superstars Steve Smith, and David Warner return to the fold. James Anderson, on the other hand, is one of them but unfortunately, he has picked an injury at the wrong time. The bowling talisman is expected to play a key role in this Ashes even at 36. He has been in tremendous form for Lancashire with 30 wickets in 6 games.

Recently he even scaled his 950th first-class victim and was looking more hungry to add to his wicket-tally. Sadly he felt some tightness while bowling the 84th over of the game against Durham and immediately he went off the field. At first, Lancashire cricket gave the injury update of the speedster via their twitter account and later it was confirmed by ECB that Anderson has picked up a small niggle in his right calf and he will be under the scanner for the next couple of days

The ECB said in a statement: “Jimmy Anderson has sustained tightness to his right calf. He will take no further part in the game and will continue to be assessed.”

It will be a huge blow for the English team if the veteran to recover before the 1st of August. Joe Root’s team will take on the mighty Aussies in the series opener at Birmingham.