James Anderson seeks to avoid repeat of 2019 Ashes injury problems

Four years ago, England's record wicket-taker pulled up on the first day of the five-match series against Australia with a calf problem which ultimately ruled him out of the entire campaign

James Anderson is determined to avoid a repeat of 2019 as he plots a recovery from a groin injury in time for the Ashes.

Four years ago, England's record wicket-taker pulled up on the first day of the five-match series against Australia with a calf problem which ultimately ruled him out of the entire campaign.

And after picking up a minor issue during Lancashire's County Championship draw with Somerset, those memories remain fresh in the 40-year-old's mind.

"I'm just taking it day by day and seeing how it goes because obviously I don't want to risk anything by making it worse," Anderson said on the Tailenders podcast.

"I'm more confident I can get this one right and give the Ashes a right good crack."

James Anderson in action for Lancashire in the 2023 County Championship [Getty Images]

The seamer is expected to have made a recovery in time for the one-off Test against Ireland, which is scheduled to take place at Lord's from June 1, but England may well choose to rest their talisman with the Ashes in mind.

"It's obviously not great getting injured but it's probably the best outcome for what it is because it's a low-grade thing. I think in a couple of weeks I'll be back to full fitness," he said.

"It's frustrating because you always want to feel good and get enough bowling in before a series and you want to be fresh. So it's now about trying to plan the best route through this summer.

"I felt like I needed to play this game so it's not ideal, but I'm not stressed about it."

Anderson has been selected in a 15-man squad for that meeting with Ireland, and England have plenty of seam-bowling resources at hand should he not be fit.

Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Matthew Potts and Mark Wood all feature in the squad, with the team's management expecting to have to rotate their quicks during a hectic two-month period which includes all six of England's 2023 summer Tests.

James Anderson in action for Lancashire in the 2023 County Championship [Getty Images]

Managing director of England men's cricket Rob Key is not overly concerned by Anderson's injury status.

He said on Tuesday (May 16): "There's nothing I'm hearing to suggest that he won't (be fit) - he's up for selection for the Ireland Test so put that forward a couple of weeks from there you expect him to be available for selection for the first Ashes Test - he's got a pretty mild groin strain.

"I've spoken to Jimmy or had the odd WhatsApp with him - he's not concerned which is a good thing really because we want to see Jimmy Anderson for as much as we can."

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