James Anderson injury: England bowler ruled out of Fourth Test with side injury and remains doubtful for Ashes remainder

Anderson will be assessed ahead of the Fifth Test on 20 August

James Anderson will miss the Fourth Test (Getty Images)

James Anderson has been ruled out of the remainder of the Third Test after suffering a side injury on day two which will also keep him out of next week's Fourth Test at Trent Bridge, the England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed.

Anderson pulled up immediately after bowling during the evening session and grabbed his ribs, with initial fears that he had torn an intercostal muscle which usually requires up to eight weeks recovery.

The ECB played down those fears on Thursday night and said that the pace bowler would be assessed overnight, and it has been confirmed that he has suffered a muscular injury that will force him to sit out what is likely to be the final day’s play at Edgbaston with England on the brink of a famous victory.

However, in what is a major blow to England’s hopes of regaining the Ashes, Anderson will also miss the Fourth Test in Nottingham which gets underway next Thursday.

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A statement released by the ECB said: “England bowler James Anderson has been ruled out of remainder of the current Investec Ashes Test with a side strain.

“Anderson will be unavailable for the 4th Test beginning on Thursday 6 August at Trent Bridge and his availability for the final Test in the series will be determined in due course.”

Anderson grimaces after injuring his side (Getty Images)

Anderson keels over in pain after hurting his side (Getty Images)

James Anderson will miss the Fourth Test (Getty Images)

Anderson walks off the Edgbaston pitch after suffering injury (Getty Images)

The obvious choice to replace Anderson would be fellow fast bowler Mark Wood, who missed the Third Test after being deemed unfit to play which led to Steven Finn’s recall.