James Anderson Likely To Miss One-Off Test Match Against Ireland

image-lhsw5wecAnderson likely to miss the Ireland Test [Twitter]

As a precautionary move, Jimmy Anderson is likely to miss out on the one-off Test match against Ireland scheduled to take place on June 1 at Lord's. He was originally named in the 15-man Test squad but in view of his groin injury, his participation in the upcoming game remains doubtful. 

Anderson is currently recuperating from a mild strain on his left groin which he sustained during Lancashire's recent County Championship match against Somerset. The 40-year-old picked up the injury on day one, and took no further part in the match. 

At that point, there were growing number of concerns surrounding his injury. But a scan later revealed that the extent of damage was not too serious. Anderson got away with a lucky reprieve, but still needs to remain cautious.

"I feel good, fine. I had a scan on the second day of that game. It was a little groin strain. It's a 10-day recovery period, and I'm rehabbing already, running next week. It was the best result of a bad situation. I'm disappointed to have to pull out of a game but with what's to come in the summer it was actually a pretty good result."

Anderson is currently undergoing rehabilitation spanning a period of 10 days. He will most likely take part in the running drills from next week onwards. Although he has been featured in the squad for the one-off Ireland Test, he is likely to benched as Ashes series remains his top priority.

"I think I will be fit for the game," Anderson said of the Ireland fixture. "Whether I play or not is probably another matter really. I definitely don't want to risk it.

Anderson emphasized that this Ashes series means a lot to him. Australia have been a very strong opponent and England haven't had the best of the outings against them in recent times. 

Besides, with Jofra Archer being ruled out of the English summer, Anderson's presence in the team becomes ever more crucial as the onus will primarily be on him to spearhead the English bowling attack.