Ashes 2019: James Anderson targets return for winter tours of New Zealand and South Africa after injury disappointment

Anderson managed just four overs in the first Test at Edgbaston before a calf problem forced him out of the Ashes

England cricket team bowler James Anderson is hoping to be fit for England’s winter tours of New Zealand and South Africa after a calf injury ruled him out of the Ashes 2019.

Anderson bowled just four overs in the first Test at Edgbaston before suffering a recurrence of a calf injury suffered while playing for Lancashire in July.

And England’s record Test wicket-taker was subsequently ruled out of the series, but Anderson insists he is not contemplating retirement.

“I’m just about getting over the disappointment ... looking ahead to what I can do in the future,” the 37-year-old told Sky Sports.

“I’m definitely hungry and keen to keep playing for England. This summer I have been bowling as well as I ever have. I bowled quite a lot for Lancashire at the start of the season and was in really good form before I got injured at an annoying time.”

England’s first red-ball action after the conclusion of the Ashes is a two-match Test series in New Zealand in November, before four Tests in South Africa in December and January.

Anderson is targeting a return to fitness ahead of that New Zealand tour, and is considering a vegan diet in a bid to prolong his career.

“I never like looking too far ahead, I just want to get my calf sorted and look to the next series to see if I can get myself fit for New Zealand and if not, then South Africa,” Anderson said.

“I’m open-minded ... I’m going to try and investigate every possible avenue of what I need to do at my age to keep myself in good shape,” he added to media ahead of the fifth Test.

Australia lead the Ashes 2-1 with the final game at the Oval beginning on Thursday.