James Anderson hopeful of playing fifth Test

England’s leading wicket-taker was forced off the field on Thursday evening in the third Test at Edgbaston and will miss out on a date at his favourite hunting ground, Trent Bridge, in the fourth

Birmingham: James Anderson is optimistic he will be over his side injury in time for the Ashes finale at the Oval.

England’s leading wicket-taker was forced off the field on Thursday evening in the third Test at Edgbaston and will miss out on a date at his favourite hunting ground, Trent Bridge, in the fourth.

England pacer James Anderson grimaces in pain on Day Two against Australia on Thursday

But with a diagnosis of only a side strain — Anderson confirmed the injury is 'not an intercostal (muscle)' and added that it 'didn’t look too serious' when assessed yesterday morning — he hopes to be good to go for the fifth Test beginning on August 20.

“I’m not going to play the next game unfortunately, but hopefully I’ll be back for the Oval,” he told Sky Sports Ashes.

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