James Anderson positive despite calf injury a month before Ashes series

England's all-time highest wicket-taker pulled up on day three of Lancashire's County Championship match against Durham

England bowler James Anderson is in good spirits despite being withdrawn from Lancashire's County Championship clash with Durham due to an injury scare.

Less than a month before the Ashes series against Australia begins, the 36-year-old pulled up with a tight calf on day three of the match at Sedbergh.

Eight balls into his spell England's highest ever wicket-taker abandoned his delivery stride and despite trying three times to bowl was eventually taken from the field.

It has since been confirmed the Anderson will take no further part in the match, which comes just over four weeks before the opening Ashes Test at Edgbaston starting on August 1.

Anderson has since received treatment on the area in the form of an ice pack but is said to be in a positive mood.

"Jimmy (Anderson) has been sat with an ice pack on but he seems fine and reasonably jovial," Lancashire assistant head coach Mark Chilton said.

^{James Anderson tried to continue but eventually had to go off}

"With any bowler if they feel something abnormal we would much rather they came off and get assessed rather than take it a step too far. 

"He has been very well-managed with regards to his bowling loads and his overs and I think that has been managed expertly right throughout the season."

Anderson has enjoyed an impressive season for the Red Rose, taking 28 wickets at 8.64 during his six completed red-ball outings for his county.

Prior to his withdrawal against Durham he took 2-39 in the first innings including the wicket of Australia Test opener Cameron Bancroft.

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