James Anderson says he is frustrated to miss England’s tour of Sri Lanka after overcoming injury.
Anderson missed the final two Test matches against South Africa with a rib problem but had declared himself fit and is now bowling again.
Despite that, the record wicket-taker wasn’t selected for the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka next month. England want him to fully recover in time for a summer of action on home shores.
“It was very frustrating, but it happens. There’s not a lot I can do about it,” he said when asked at the launch of the ECB's new Dynamos Cricket programme.
“I’m just focusing on the summer and starting the season with Lancashire because all I can do is focus on when I can play cricket next and that’s with Lancashire and hopefully I can.”
Lancashire are currently priced at 7.00 (6/1) with bet365 to win the County Championship Division One in 2020, but should benefit from having Anderson around.
Anderson over his injury
Anderson, who has taken 584 wickets in 151 Tests, confirmed that he is now fully over the rib injury that curtailed his South Africa series.
He added: “I’m not injured. I have been bowling for two weeks now. I’ve not had that many county pre-seasons, because I’ve been touring with England most of the time.
“I am just excited to get outside, I have been inside for most of this winter.”
Meanwhile, the bowler also backed Lancashire teammate Keaton Jennings to perform well following his recall to the England Test team.
The 27-year-old batsman has not played for his country since featuring against the West Indies in St Lucia in February 2019.
“He had a good season with Lancashire and he has performed with the Lions,” Anderson said.
“I think he is definitely going to have learned from previous times he has been with England and I think that success he has had in the subcontinent will help him for this tour to Sri Lanka.
“All he can do is perform as well as he can but I imagine he is not going to look much further ahead than these two Test matches.”