James Anderson ruled out of remainder of South Africa tour

England pace spearhead James Anderson will miss the final two Test matches of the series against South Africa. The 37-year old sustained a rib injury during the second Test in Cape Town, where he played a vital role in England’s victory. The injury will be another blow for the veteran pacer, who recently returned to the side after four months out with a calf injury.

Anderson picked up 7 wickets in the Cape Town Test, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. He suffered the injury on the final day of the match, bowling only two overs. The English team management hoped that the injury was minor, but MRI scans concluded that he would no longer be able to play a part in the tour.

A statement released by ECB confirming the injury read:

“England seamer James Anderson has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against South Africa. Anderson sustaining a left rib injury in England’s second Test victory at Newlands and underwent an MRI scan in Cape Town on Wednesday morning. Anderson felt tightness and discomfort at the end of the morning session on day five and was only able to bowl eight overs during the day. Somerset seamer Craig Overton will remain in South Africa as cover.”

But it is not doom and gloom for England ahead of the third Test. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood who were unavailable in Cape Town are likely to be fit for the next game. The action in the series will now move to Port Elizabeth, where the third Test will begin from 16th January.