'I hate missing games' - James Anderson hints his return for rescheduled Test against India

England’s senior pacer James Anderson has hinted at his return to the team for the upcoming rescheduled fifth Test against India, after missing out on the final Test match against New Zealand in the recently concluded series. Anderson missed out on the third Test of the three-match series at Headingley, Leeds, owing to an ankle injury but expects to be back for the Edgbaston game which is set to begin on July 1.

Anderson was out of the Test scenario for a brief period of time, before Ben Stokes took over the captaincy and called him back into the squad. Anderson returned with four wickets in the first innings of the opening Test against New Zealand and marked his comeback in style. Notably, Anderson is the third-highest wicket-taker in the Test format, and one of the legends of the game.

After clinching the series against New Zealand 3-0, the English team will now aim at performing similar heroics against India. If Anderson is declared fit for the game, it will significantly enhance England’s chances of defeating COVID-stricken India at home. The 39-year-old said he dislikes missing games and expects to be healed in time to play in the fifth postponed Test.

“I hate missing games. After that game at Headingley, the feeling around the group is so good that you want to be around it as much as possible. I certainly feel I’ve got more of a smile on my face in the field than I normally do. It’s so much fun playing with this group in the style we have been,” Anderson was quoted by Daily Mail UK.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I can get back in this week: James Anderson

Anderson has been a part of 171 Test matches to date and has bagged 651 wickets in the format. In his stint against New Zealand in the recently concluded series, he scalped 11 wickets in just two matches and played a major role in cleaning up the opposition’s batting line-up.

The senior pro gave an update on his injury and said:”It was disappointing to miss the last game, seeing the guys out on the field having a good time and playing well. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I can get back in this week. The ankle feels pretty good and I’ve got a couple of days of practice to get through. If I can do that, hopefully, I’m good for Friday. We’ll see what happens.”