James Anderson: England bowler hopeful injury ‘not too serious’ as he begins race to recover in time for Ashes

England’s all-time leading wicket-taker pulled up while running in to bowl against Durham

England bowler James Anderson hopes the injury which saw him limp off during Lancashire’s match against Durham is “not too serious”.

Anderson pulled up during his run-up on the third morning of the Specsavers County Championship clash at Sedbergh and sat out the rest of the day with a calf problem.

England’s all-time leading wicket-taker batted with a runner on the final day but did not return to the field to bowl as Lancashire were held to a draw.

The opening Test of the Ashes series against Australia gets underway at Edgbaston on August 1.

Reflecting on the match, Anderson wrote on Instagram: “Frustrating not to get the win. Also annoying to pick up a niggle but hopefully not too serious.”

While England’s one-day international squad have been in World Cup action, Anderson has spent a prolonged spell with Lancashire in preparation for the Ashes.

James Anderson runs in to bowl against Durham (Getty)

Anderson, who was competing in his sixth game in this season’s competition, has taken 30 wickets this season. The 36-year-old has a record 575 wickets in 148 Tests for England.

PA