James Anderson allays Ben Stokes injury fears as captain struggles with toe problem

The allrounder limped through the evening session but still took 4-49 to help the hosts cling on to the hosts' coattails

• England v West Indies: Day three talking points
• Windies take control as England cling on

England's all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson is confident Ben Stokes will be fit enough to bat in the second innings despite suffering from a toe injury on day three of the first Test against West Indies at The Ageas Bowl.

The Durham allrounder, who is skippering the side in the absence of Joe Root, was seen clutching at his left foot during the evening session.

Stokes was not totally impinged by the ailment as he took 4-49 to restrict the Windies to a first-innings lead of 114.

Anderson delivered a positive injury update regarding the 29-year-old, who he believes will be fine to bat again when England look to build a lead of their own.

"I think he's got a bruised toe which was why he was limping a little bit, it was bashing the end of his boot," said Anderson, who himself finished with 3-62.

"I won't go into too much detail but his toenail is not in great shape. It is something that can be patched up by the physios and he'll be ok second innings."

^{The James Anderson-Stuart Broad axis was not reunited for the first Test}

After West Indies were bowled out for 318, England closed unscathed on 15 for 0 but they have work to do to put themselves in a winning position in Southampton.

Their task of taking 20 wickets in the match has been made all the more difficult by the decision to leave out Stuart Broad.

The Nottinghamshire seamer admitted he was "angry and frustrated" at the decision, with Mark Wood and Jofra Archer preferred in his place.

But Anderson believes Broad will use the omission as motivation to come back stronger during what remains of the summer.

"You're fully aware he's not taken it very well," he added. "He's very frustrated to be left out. There was going to be a few guys disappointed to be left out. It just shows what strengths we've got in our bowling group at the moment, which is exciting for the team.

"I think it is great for the team that Stuart is disappointed because it shows that he is passionate and desperate to be in this team and be a part of our success going forward."

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