Injured James Anderson terms India series schedule as 'ridiculous'

James Anderson has recently suffered a shoulder injury, something that has rendered him unfit for the upcoming series against Australia. The 35-year old is an important piece of the England Test squad and many will be hoping that he is indeed fit to take the stage as India comes to the country to play a five-test series.

Speaking about the same, Anderson said that his shoulder had been giving him trouble from the last two years. “My shoulder has been an issue ongoing for the last couple of years and it is just managing it and looking after it best way I can,” he told BBC Radio’s Test Match Special during England’s shock six-run one-day international by Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday.

“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. The way the fixtures have fallen it is a shame I will miss some games for Lancashire.”

Bayliss hints at Anderson’s fitness against India

Trevor Bayliss went ahead and confirmed that the Test series against the Indians would be a challenging period for not just Anderson, but for all players.

“We have five Tests against India in a six-week period from August 1, which will be an intense and challenging period for all our bowlers, and therefore it’s vital that we ensure Jimmy goes into that series in the best possible condition,” said Bayliss in an England and Wales Cricket Board statement issued Sunday.

“Jimmy has to manage the issue with his right shoulder, and we’ve been advised that the best way for him to prepare for the India series is to take a six-week break from cricket now, initially to rest it and then to work slowly back to cricket,” the Australian added.

“That six-week period covers Lancashire’s two Championship matches (against Worcestershire and Hampshire) over the next three weeks. We will then monitor to see where Jimmy is at and ensuring he is ready for the India series.”

“The idea is to put in the work now and be ready for the end of July Championship game against Yorkshire and then get through the five Test matches if possible,” he said.

“It is wear and tear. Rehab improves it and makes it feel better and it is just about trying to manage it through certain periods.”

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