James Anderson ruled out of opening Ashes Test

Fast bowler James Anderson has, reportedly, been ruled out of the opening Ashes Test, starting Wednesday, December 8 at The Gabba in Brisbane due to a calf issue. The speedster was set to become the third non-Australian cricketer to play five Tests in Brisbane after West Indies’ Courtney Walsh and New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori.

It’s the same calf issue that led him to miss the entire 2019 series. However, going into the series opener, the visiting team seems to have the have apt replacement for the veteran seamer. As per reports, Chris Woakes is likely to partner Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood in the fast bowling department.

Brits’ skipper Joe Root also hinted at going with spin-bowling options, meaning Jack Leach’s likely selection in the team. The Three Lions also have the pace option of Stuart Broad, a veteran of 149 Tests.

“I do think it’s a good place to bowl spin. Speak to some of the great spinners to have played for Australia and they have always enjoyed bowling here,” Root told to the media, cricket.com.au reported.

James Anderson is one of the best bowlers, said Root

As far as Anderson is concerned, his calf issue isn’t being reported as serious. But if he’s ruled out of the whole series, it’s going to be a body blow for the Three Lions. At the age of 39, Anderson has faced a number of injury concerns, but has continued going great guns.

He is currently third in the list of all-time leading wicket-takers in Test cricket with 632 scalps and has conjured praises from Root, who hailed him as “one of the best bowlers”.

“One thing I will say is, you look at Jimmy’s record over the last couple of years, and it’s got better and better and better. He might be getting older, but he’s still bowling just as well, if not better.

“I think it’s going to be really key we look to play our best team for what’s in front of us throughout the whole series, and whether conditions dictate that, whether the grounds dictate that, whether fitness dictates that, I think we’re just going to have to be really smart and savvy about it.

“Ultimately, we want to play our best team, and Jimmy Anderson is one of the best bowlers in the world,” Root had said last month.