Ashes 2023 is around the corner. The much-anticipated series between England and Australia will begin from 16th June in Edgbaston, which will be followed by the second game on 28th June at Lord’s. The third game of the Ashes 2023 will be played on July 6th in Leeds whereas the last two games are slated to take place on July 19th and July 27th on Manchester and the Oval respectively. But before that England will play a one-off Test against Ireland whereas Australia will play WTC Final against India.
Ashes 2023: James Anderson provides huge update on his injury ahead of Ireland Test and Ashes
Ahead of the Ireland Test and Ashes 2023, England suffered a major blow as premier pacer James Anderson suffered an injury while playing in the county championship. The right-arm pacer faced a groin injury and was immediately taken off the field.
James Anderson then didn’t take part in the game any further. With him getting injured there were many speculations about his availability for the Ashes 2023. But to the relive of English fans, he was named in the squad for the Ireland Test.
ECB director Rob Key said that they have picked James Anderson and will monitor his fitness during the Ireland Test. It’s learned that the pacer hasn’t regained his full fitness and might take up some time. Although he might train up with the team but can miss the game against Ireland.
James Anderson has an update about his fitness. He said that he’ll be back to his full rhythm in a couple of weeks. While speaking to the BBC’s Tailenders podcast, he said:
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“I’m not worried about it. 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 and I think in a couple of weeks I’ll be back to full fitness. 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. 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. I’m more confident I can get this one right [than in 2019] and give the Ashes a right good crack.”
Ashes 2023: England announces squad for the Ireland Test
England will host Ireland in a one-off test from 1st June. They recently named a 15-member squad for the Ireland Test. Jonny Bairstow after missing so much of cricket due to injury was back in the team whereas Chris Woakes and Mark Wook too were named in the team.
Here’s the England squad for the Ireland Test
Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.