ENG v IND 2018: James Anderson feels India's schedule for Tests against England is ridiculous

James Anderson has taken 540 Test wickets for team England.

James Anderson doubtful ahead of India's tour of England | Source Getty

James Anderson, England's leading Test wicket-taker is going to have a six-week break after the bowler injured his right shoulder ahead of the series against India.

James Anderson feels that the schedule of Test series against India is totally ridiculous as both the nations will play 5 Test matches in a time period of six weeks. The pace bowler wants to rest his shoulder as the matches would put a lot of stress on the bowler.

James who has grabbed 540 wickets in Tests in his International career, will be missing out on next two County Championship matches against Worcestershire and Hampshire later this month.

James Anderson who does not represent England in the One-Day International wants to get fully fit before stepping back in the field of cricket.

"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 during England's shock six-run one-day international by Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday. 

"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."

England's coach Trevor Bayliss also came forward to talk about James Anderson fitness. He added, "We have five Tests against India in a six-week period from August 1, which will be an intense and challenging period for all our bowlers, and therefore it’s vital that we ensure Jimmy goes into that series in the best possible condition,"

"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," the coach added further.

"That six-week period covers Lancashire's two Championship matches (against Worcestershire and Hampshire) over the next three weeks. We will then monitor to see where Jimmy is at and ensuring he is ready for the India series."

Recently, James Anderson grabbed nine wickets against Pakistan, where the two Tests series was equalled by 1-1.

After recovering his right shoulder, Anderson hopes to return to the first-class action in Lancashire's 'Roses match' against traditional rivals 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," James Anderson said.

"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."
 

 
 

By Kunal Kataria - 11 Jun, 2018

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