England seamer James Anderson was a conspicuous absentee on the second morning of Lancashire’s LV= Insurance County Championship clash with Somerset, receiving treatment for a “minor issue”.
Anderson was in outstanding form on the opening day at Emirates Old Trafford, taking two for 16 from 14 metronomic overs, but left the field shortly before rain brought an early end to proceedings.
The 40-year-old did not emerge with his team-mates on Friday, with Lancashire confirming he was experiencing an undisclosed complaint.
A spokesperson said: “Jimmy is off the field with a minor issue, which is currently being assessed.”
England’s record wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 685, is integral to their Ashes plans this summer, with bowling stocks already hit by fresh injuries to pace pair Jofra Archer and Olly Stone.
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Stuart Broad and James Anderson ask The Sky Sports Ashes AI Bot how to get Australia’s Steve Smith out!
Archer has returned early from the Indian Premier League due to discomfort in his troublesome right elbow, while Stone faces several weeks on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring on duty for Nottinghamshire last week.
Anderson managed just four overs in the last home series against Australia, ruled out with a calf problem on the opening morning of the series.
England begin their Test summer against Ireland at Lord’s, a four-day match starting on June 1, before the Ashes opener at Edgbaston on June 16.
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England’s all-time leading wicket taker James Anderson says it will be a big ask on his body to be able to play all five Ashes Tests against Australia this summer.