Injured James Anderson Terms India Test Series Schedule as 'Ridiculous'

England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, James Anderson seems infuriated as he called the schedule against India as ‘ridiculous’ after he sustained an injury.

Pertinently, Anderson nursed right shoulder injury while featuring against Pakistan during the second Test at Headingley.

Meanwhile, Anderson will be out of action for the next six weeks in a bid to regain full fitness.

Moreover, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) maintained Anderson will use this time as a rehabilitation on a longstanding right-shoulder injury.

The 35-year-old Anderson will miss Lancashire’s next two County Championship matches against Worcestershire and Hampshire respectively.

With all-important five-match Test series against India starts from August 1. Anderson, who doesn’t play white-ball cricket admitted that he needed a break to regain full fitness.

“My shoulder has been an issue ongoing for the last couple of years and it is just managing it and looking after it best way I can,” he told BBC Radio’s Test Match Special.

“I just need to get in the gym and get it strong. The India schedule is ridiculous with five Tests in six weeks and that will put a lot of stress on it. The way the fixtures have fallen it is a shame I will miss some games for Lancashire,” he added.

Previously, England coach Trevor Bayliss explained the rationale for resting Anderson.

The Australian said that Anderson needs to take a six-week break and then slowly make a return to the top-flight cricket.

“Jimmy has to manage the issue with his right shoulder, and we’ve been advised that the best way for him to prepare for the India series is to take a six-week break from cricket now. Initially to rest it and then to work slowly back to cricket,” Bayliss said.

“We will then monitor to see where Jimmy is at and ensuring he is ready for the India series,” he added.

Hope to return in end-July:

Despite an injury, Anderson played the recently-concluded series against Pakistan. England came from back to finish the series at one each.

Now, James Anderson is hopeful to return to the first-class action in Lancashire’s game against Yorkshire in July.

“The idea is to put in the work now and be ready for the end of July Championship game against Yorkshire. And then get through the five Test matches if possible. It is wear and tear. Rehab improves it and makes it feel better. And it is just about trying to manage it through certain periods,” he concluded.

Also read: I want to achieve certain things in my career: Dale Steyn