Oh No! Another Blow For England| Pacer James Anderson Sustains Injury 

image-lhoiulp5James Anderson (Twitter)

England's experienced fast bowler, James Anderson, sustained a groin injury while playing for Lancashire in a match against Somerset. The 40-year-old had to be carried off the field on the first day of the game. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Anderson has been diagnosed with a "mild groin strain," and his fitness will be evaluated before the Ashes warm-up Test against Ireland next month. 

The ECB's statement mentioned that a decision on his availability for the Lord's Test match, will be made closer to the series. 

"His fitness will be assessed nearer the time of the Test match against Ireland, which takes place at Lord's starting on Thursday, June 1, 2023." said the statement.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who together form the most successful wicket-taking partnership in Test cricket history, are crucial to England's hopes of winning the upcoming Ashes series against Australia. However, England is facing concerns about their fitness ahead of the tournament. 

Jofra Archer's availability for the series is doubtful due to a nagging elbow injury, leading to his exit from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Furthermore, Anderson, ranked second in the world among Test bowlers, has missed three days of County Championship action this week due to an injury, adding to England's worries.

Olly Stone, the Nottinghamshire fast bowler, will miss at least the first Ashes Test due to a hamstring injury that he sustained during a County Championship match against Lancashire last week. 

The 29-year-old has played three Test matches and eight ODIs for England since making his international debut in 2018. He had to leave the field during the exciting draw against Lancashire at Trent Bridge and was sent for scans to determine the extent of his injury.