James Anderson might play for Surrey to gear up for India Tests

Anderson will take a six-week break before the India Test series.

Anderson will take a six-week break to manage his long-standing shoulder injury | Getty

There is a plenty of buzz surrounding around India’s tour of England later this year. Cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see the numero uno Test side getting tested in English conditions and how the hosts will bounce back after the awful last seven months in red-ball cricket.

Besides, there is a lot of anticipation concerning the showdown between England’s ace pacer James Anderson and the Indian batsmen. During India’s last tour to England in 2014, Anderson had made the mockery of visiting batsmen by claiming 25 wickets at a remarkable average of 20.60 in 5 Tests.

In order to prepare himself for the high-voltage series, Anderson might play a three-day game for Surrey. On Sunday (June 10), the ECB had announced that England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker would take a six-week break to manage his long-standing shoulder injury ahead of the India series which includes five Tests, scheduled to commence on August 1. This break also means Anderson would miss three Championship matches for Lancashire.

As per the reports in Evening Standard, James Anderson will take part in Lancashire’s Championship clash against Yorkshire at Headingley from July 22. However, ECB feels Jimmy needs at least two games before the opening Test against India and thus weighing up to give him enough cricket.

One option is to take part in Surrey’s three-day tour match against West Indies A at the Oval between July 16-18 while the other is to play for England Lions in a four-day game against India A at Worcester in the same week.

Reports suggest that the final decision is yet to be made and it is unclear whether the ECB have a preferred option. Surrey are understood to be open to the idea of him playing for them.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 13 Jun, 2018

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