England have confirmed James Anderson will miss the final Ashes test against Australia. Anderson, 33, suffered a side strain in the third test at Edgbaston and is still a week away from recovery, according to captain Alistair Cook.
As a result, England are likely to select an unchanged squad for the final meeting at the Oval as they attempt to add gloss to their Ashes success with a 4-1 victory in sight. Unfortunately hes not going to make it, Cook said of Anderson, the Daily Telegraph reported. Hes gutted about it.
Hes made really good progress from where he was at Edgbaston but this is a week or so too soon. He bowled in the nets yesterday, but was at about 60-70% and thats not how you go into a game. Hes really gutted. The medical team have been brilliant with him but hes still about a week away.
Cook admits the decision to omit Anderson was made all the more easier with the series already won. Jimmys not fit, he said. As much hard work as he has put in, hes not right.
Its a hard question to answer, if it was 2-2, but the way Mark [Wood] has come in and bowled in the series, certainly in the first game and the last game, we have options. Especially with Liam Plunkett as well, we have good strength in depth.
