Jimmy Anderson to play for Lancashire 2nd XI in bid to prove fitness after calf injury

Anderson, who was forced out of the first Ashes Test with a calf problem, will turn out for his county's second-string in a three-day friendly against Leicestershire in Liverpool, which is due to begin on Tuesday

Jimmy Anderson will use a Lancashire 2nd XI match this week to show he is ready for a return to England duty.

Anderson, who was forced out of the first Ashes Test with a calf problem, will turn out for his county's second-string in a three-day friendly against Leicestershire in Liverpool, which is due to begin on Tuesday.

It will be the seamer's first run-out since he left the field after bowling just four overs on the first morning at Edgbaston.

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He was not included in the second Ashes Test squad and has been left out of the 12-man party for the third - due to get underway at Headingley on Thursday.

England want to see evidence that Anderson is not likely to break down again before they considered their record wicket-taker for selection.

The fast bowler is aiming to be ready for the fourth Test against Australia at Old Trafford in early September.

There is a chance he could also feature for Derbyshire against Australia A - a game set to start on August 29 - to offer England further proof that he is fully recovered.

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