England v South Africa: Anderson injury doubt for first Test

23.12.2015 15:30

England pace bowler James Anderson is a doubt for the Boxing Day Test against South Africa with a calf injury.

Anderson, England's leading wicket-taker in Tests, was sent for scans on Tuesday after suffering tightness in his right calf muscle.

A decision on his involvement in the first Test in Durban is unlikely to be taken until Thursday.

The 33-year-old was rested for England's victory over South Africa A in their final warm-up game.

Having experienced soreness in his calf since the start of the tour, Anderson has bowled only five overs, in a 13-a-side match against a South Africa Invitational XI last week.

Anderson, who has taken 426 wickets in 110 Tests, missed the final two Tests of England's Ashes triumph over Australia this summer with a side strain.

England face South Africa, the top-ranked Test side, in a four-match series with the second Test in Cape Town starting two days after the first is due to end.

If Anderson is ruled out, England are likely to call on two of Chris Woakes, Steven Finn, Chris Jordan or Mark Footitt to join Stuart Broad in the pace attack.

Finn, 26, claimed six wickets in England's win by an innings and 91 runs over South Africa A, having been a late call-up to the squad after recovering from a foot injury.

South Africa paceman Dale Steyn, the number one-ranked Test bowler, has been declared fit to face England after missing the recent 3-0 series defeat in India with a groin strain.

Fellow bowler Vernon Philander is expected to miss the start of the series after injuring his ankle in a warm-up football game in India last month.

AB de Villiers will keep wicket for the hosts in at least the first two Tests after Dane Vilas was dropped and Quinton de Kock was not included in their 13-man squad.

(BBC)

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