James Anderson hints at returning for fifth Test vs India

England seamer James Anderson has hinted at his potential return for the rescheduled fifth Test against India starting 1^st July. The pacer missed the third Test against New Zealand at Headingley due to an ankle injury but is expected to be back for the fifth Test against India at Edgbaston.

The 39-year-old seamer is ageing like a fine wine with his numbers improving every passing year. He is the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 651 wickets to his name. The veteran bowler has also played the second most no of matches in the history of Test Cricket representing his country 171 times in the format which is a remarkable feat for a fast bowler. Anderson was out of the Test scenario for a while before being called back into the squad after Ben Stokes took over the captaincy.

“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.

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.”

England have introduced a new brand of cricket under their new coach Brendon Mccullum. They chased down totals in excess of 275 in the fourth innings of all three test matches. Jonny Bairstow’s stupendous attacking strokeplay was the highlight of the series. England are looking a completely different side from the one that lost the Ashes 2021-22 and a series against West Indies earlier this year. They will be keen to get the series levelled at Edgbaston. Notably, England have only lost one series since 2015 at their home which was against New Zealand last year.