DurbanEngland pace spearhead and all-time leading Test wicket taker James Anderson has been ruled out of first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead Durban, due to a calf strain.
After feeling the discomfort having bowled just five overs across both innings in the first tour game against an Invitation XI in Potchefstroom earlier this month, before being rested during his side’s first warm-up match, which his side won by an innings and 91 runs against South Africa A.
The 33-year-old underwent a scan on right calf muscle on Tuesday and the medical team subsequently confirmed the strain. He was asked to prove fitness on Thursday, but failed to pass the fitness test.
Coach Trevor Bayliss admitted that Anderson’s fitness was a concern and England must now enter the series, without their spearhead. Chris Woakes will be his likely replacement on Saturday. Woakes will play his first Test match in 16 months, after Anderson suffered a calf strain.
Anderson, who was ruled out of Ashes earlier in this year due to side strain, returned to play the series against Pakistan in the UAE and was the leading wicket taker for England.
Stuart Broad would form a three-bowler pace attack alongside Steven Finn and Chris Woakes whereas, Moeen Ali will shoulder the responsibility of spin attack.
Followed by the huge setback, England will play a four-match Test series against South Africa starting from 26 December.
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