Ashes: ECB plays down James Anderson's injury rumours; pacer rested ahead of 2nd Test

Putting an end to ongoing speculation over veteran pacer James Anderson's injury, England Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday issued a clarification stating he is fully fit and he has been rested from upcoming first Ashes Test against Australia. James Anderson was set to become just third non-Australian to play five Tests at Gabba, after Courtney Walsh and Daniel Vettori but latest development seems to have disrupted those plans.

Earlier, media reports suggested that Anderson has succumbed to a calf injury, but wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler shot down rumours while clarifying that his absence was solely aimed at saving him for later matches.

England vs Australia: James Anderson rested for day-night Test in elaide

ECB, in its official statement, said, "Jimmy is fit to play, and is not carrying an injury. With five Tests in six weeks plan was to get him rey for second Test in elaide."

"With limited build-up we have h so far on tour, both him and management didn't want to take risk of him playing after what h happened in 2019 at Edgbaston, when he broke down on first morning. He bowled at full capacity yesterday for just short of an hour and was in a good place physically. He will do same again today at practice. He will stay with Test group this week and work with coaches at Gabba rar than playing for Lions."

Buttler said, "Just with build-up everyone has h, guys just want to make sure everyone is perfect to go. Jimmy's not going to play but he is fit. Obviously it's a very long series and we want a guy like that to be available for as much of it as possible, so think it's a bit precautionary. He bowled well yesterday and will bowl again today."

Last month, England skipper Joe Root, while praising James Anderson, said, "One thing I will say is, you look at Jimmy's record over last couple of years, and it's got better and better and better. One thing I will say is, you look at Jimmy's record over last couple of years, and it's got better and better and better. He might be getting older, but he's still bowling just as well, if not better," Root told cricket.com.au last month.

He ded, "I think it's going to be really key we look to play our best team for what's in front of us throughout whole series, and wher conditions dictate that, wher grounds dictate that, wher fitness dictates that, I think we're just going to have to be really smart and savvy about it. Ultimately, we want to play our best team, and Jimmy Anderson is one of best bowlers in world."

Ashes 2021 Full Schedule

1st Test match at Gabba, Brisbane from December 8 to December 12

2nd Test match at elaide Oval, elaide from December 16 to December 20

3rd Test match at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne from December 26 to December 30

4th Test match at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney from January 5 to January 9, 2022

5th Test match at Optus Stium, Perth from January 14 to January 18