England are set to have James Anderson back in their attack for Friday’s series-completing Test against India.
Anderson, 40 in July, missed the win over New Zealand at Headingley with what captain Ben Stokes described as a “puffy ankle”.
He bowled during breaks in the Test and should be fit to play on Friday. Stuart Broad might miss out, having played all three Tests against New Zealand, but Jamie Overton is the junior bowler in the attack.
One area of uncertainty is the availability of Ben Foakes. He is expected to be back, but this morning needed to return a negative Covid test before being available to join the squad for training.
Wicketkeeper Foakes was involved in the remarkable Test victory over New Zealand at Headingley, but tested positive for Covid-19 on the Saturday, after spending time off the field with a sore back.
Foakes was replaced in England’s XI by Kent’s Sam Billings, who dashed from Canterbury to Leeds and kept wicket on Sunday and was padded up to bat next when England completed the win on Monday.
Billings was retained in England’s squad for the India Test as they awaited news on Foakes’ availability.
Meanwhile, Jos Buttler is expected to be officially appointed as England’s new ODI and T20 captain tomorrow, after Eoin Morgan retired yesterday.
