The English cricket team has suffered a huge blow, as their first-choice pace bowler James Anderson has been ruled out of the first test against Australia. The English Cricket Board confirmed that his calf issue, which has haunted him in the past, has returned to stop him from becoming the third non-Australian Cricketer to play five tests at Brisbane.
Jimmy Anderson is set to miss the #Ashes opener, but England say he's fit to play | @AdamBurnett09 https://t.co/vqpaLNvM2g
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2021
England was recently handed a huge injury boost in the form of Ben Stokes. This year, the allrounder missed a considerable amount of cricket due to a finger injury. However, he recovered just in time to join the squad ahead of The Ashes.
There’s no doubt in the fact that James Anderson’s absence will be felt in the English bowling lineup. However, the three lions have two excellent options to choose from in the form of Chris Wokes and Stuart Broad. At the same time, Ollie Robinson and Mar Wood are said to be the first-choice seamers.
The English captain Joe Root has also hinted towards the inclusion of Jack Leach, who was missing from the squad in the series against India. Speculating about the same, Root said to Australian media, “I do think it’s a good place to bowl spin. Speak to some of the great spinners to have played for Australian, and they have always enjoyed bowling here,” cricket.com.au posted.