Ashes 2019: England's James Anderson feels 'good' in recovery from injury

James Anderson
James Anderson was injured in a county game for Lancashire against Durham at Sedbergh School on 2 July

England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson says he feels "good" as he aims to be fit for the Ashes.

Lancashire's Anderson, 36, suffered "a low grade calf muscle tear" during a County Championship match on 2 July.

The first of five Ashes Tests between England and Australia starts on 1 August. The four-day Test against Ireland at Lord's begins on 24 July.

"We meet up on Monday and at the moment I feel good," he told the BBC.

"I will keep bowling and we will monitor it. If it comes to Wednesday and I'm fit to play then great, but if not I will work towards being fit for the Ashes."

Re-focusing on Test cricket

Following England's World Cup win on Sunday, Anderson believes that they can shift the momentum towards Test cricket.

Eoin Morgan's side lifted the trophy after beating New Zealand in a final that was ultimately decided by the number of boundaries scored after both the initial innings and subsequent super over ended in ties.

"It's a really exciting time for English cricket. I think it was an amazing final and the reaction to it has been phenomenal," Anderson said.

"It's time to re-focus on to Test cricket. We realise the dangers that the Australian team bring to Test cricket, so we're going to have to be fully focused on that.

"We can't afford to hang on to the World Cup win. It's our job as English cricketers to try and carry that momentum on and hopefully an Ashes win will do that."

Anderson has taken 575 wickets in 148 Tests to stand fourth on all the time-list behind spinners Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne and Anil Kumble.

He claimed his 950th first-class wicket on 1 July and has taken 30 at an average of 9.37 in six Championship matches this season.

Cricket on the BBC