Ashes 2023: James Anderson gives update on his availability for upcoming series against Australia

England is all set to take on Australia for the upcoming Ashes series that is scheduled to begin on June 16th at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham. The hosts England will be looking to settle the score with the Aussies after losing the previous edition by 0-4. However, before the start of the much-awaited series, the hosts got good news as their star veteran pacer James Anderson confirmed his availability for the upcoming Test series.

Anderson suffered a groin injury while playing for Lancashire in a County Championship fixture against Somerset earlier this month. In four matches in County Championship division one this season, Anderson has taken 16 wickets at 20.30.

Now, the 40-year-old has confirmed that he is on his way to regaining full fitness ahead of the much-anticipated series against Australia. He revealed that he is recovering well from the injury and is increasing his workload gradually. His form will be crucial for England to register there to clinch the Ashes urn.

It feels really good and as if it has reacted to treatment: James Anderson

“It [groin injury] is good. It is not too serious. I have been back bowling and running and confident I will be fit and firing soon. The idea is to try and step it up here at Lancashire over the next couple of days and then meet up with England on Sunday and see where I get to,” Anderson said while speaking to The Telegraph.

“I am in the squad for the Ireland Test but we have to make a call on that nearer to the time. Yes definitely [he will be fit for the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston]. It feels really good and as if it has reacted to treatment. I have no issues running and bowling again and just keeping my fingers crossed I can carry on going as I have been and will be ready for the Ashes,” he further added.

England squad for the Ashes: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.