James Anderson is hoping to prove his fitness for the Ashes in next week’s historic one-off Test against Ireland.
Anderson, England’s record wicket-taker, has been sidelined with a torn calf muscle sustained playing for Lancashire at the beginning of this month.
Starting next Wednesday, the Three Lions take on Ireland in a Test match for the first time at Lord’s before launching the Ashes series against old foe Australia at Edgbaston on August 1.
“Now it’s our job as English cricketers to try and carry that momentum on and hopefully an Ashes win will do that.”
Anderson, whose 575 wickets in 148 Tests places him fourth on the all-time list, captured his 950th first-class wicket this season while playing for his county.
His 30 wickets in six County Championship matches, at an average of 9.37, suggest he is still at the top of his game.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this season playing for Lancashire and actually feeling part of the team instead of coming in for the odd game here and there,” he added.
“My form has felt pretty good and it was frustrating to get this injury a couple of weeks ago, but that’s just part of the job as a bowler.
“I feel like I’m in a good place, physically as a bowler, and I’m looking forward to the Tests.”
Lancashire, top of Division Two in the County Championship, were scheduled to launch their Vitality T20 Blast campaign against Leicestershire on Friday night.
