James Anderson fit for 2nd Test against India?

James Anderson

James Anderson

England paceman James Anderson has revealed he could be fit for the second Test against India in Visakhapatnam next week.

The 34-year-old, England's record Test wicket-taker, is closing in on a return to full fitness following a shoulder injury which ruled him out of the recent drawn series in Bangladesh.

The problem kept Anderson out of the ongoing first match versus India in Rajkot and there were fears he would miss most of the Test tour.

But the Lancastrian's condition has improved significantly that, after arriving in India, he is optimistic he may to be back in action next week. "I need to try and be as fit as I possibly can be and maybe be fit for the second Test," Anderson told Sky Sports.

"It is still over a week away. It is hard to say right now, but it will all depend on how this week goes. I'm sure in the next two of three days we will have a good idea of whether that is a possibility or not.

"At first we thought maybe (missing) four Tests was a possibility, but the way I have progressed over the last two or three weeks has been positive.

"I feel good, I felt good last week at Loughborough in the nets and I am hopeful this week I can continue that and get used to the heat quite quickly." Anderson's last Test appearance came in August, against Pakistan at the Oval, but he is confident he will be match fit if selected in Visakhapatnam. "I did a good amount last week, I got 30 overs in in the week, and this week is about carrying that on and maybe up the intensity a little bit," Anderson said.

"I think at the tender age of 34 I have got enough experience to be able to get back into match mode quite quickly. "It is obviously not always easy without having any games under your belt, but I am able to do that. This week will be key, especially with the heat."