ASHES INJURY WATCH: Who will be fit to play against Australia?
ASHES INJURY WATCH: With less than FIVE weeks to go until the first Test against Australia, bowlers are starting to break down – so who will be fit to make up the attack at Edgbaston?
- England will look to regain the Ashes when they take on Australia this summer
- Some bowlers, such as Jofra Archer and James Anderson, have suffered injuries
- Others, however, including Ollie Robinson, should be fit to play the first Test
With less than five weeks to go until the first Test against Australia, England’s seam arsenal is beginning to creak.
Bowlers are getting what is in some cases some much-needed over in their legs ahead of the five-match series, though County Championship games are throwing up more issues than the ECB would have hoped.
The board have tried to careful with their bowlers, resting them when they feel it’s needed in a bit to have a large pool to pick from for the first Test.
As is often the way, however, injuries have flared up at the wrong time, leaving fans and players sweating over the availability of some of England’s stars.
Mail Sport examines which of the bowlers are on course to make the attack for Edgbaston on June 16.
The ECB have been monitoring their bowlers carefully ahead of the start of the Ashes this summer
England are sweating on the fitness of captain Ben Stokes (left), who will play, but may not bowl
Ben Stokes: SWEAT
Already dogged by longstanding knee trouble, a toe injury has left him without game time for several weeks at the Indian Premier League as Chennai have refused to pick him as a frontline batter.
Jofra Archer: OUT
Back on the south coast following a recurrence of pain in his right elbow, but any chances of starting the series appear to have gone as the Sussex first bowler would need to prove his fitness soon.
Mark Wood: FIT
Like 90-mile-per-hour counterpart Archer, Wood has come home early from the IPL, but in his case it was to witness the birth of his daughter.
Having featured in four of the five Ashes Tests in 2021-22, he could be thrust straight into the action despite a lengthy T20 diet.
Mark Wood, able to bowl upwards of 90-miles-per-hour, is set to be fit for the summer series
Fellow fast bowler Jofra Archer, meanwhile, is likely out after reaggravating his elbow injury
James Anderson: SWEAT
Took no chances when he felt a groin twinge on the first evening of Lancashire’s match, and although dressing room sources have played it down, he did not even bat for his county on Saturday.
Olly Stone: OUT
The six-week prognosis to recover from hamstring trouble is a cruel blow for Stone, who underwent career-defining back surgery two years ago to give himself a shot at facing the Australians this summer.
If he does, it will not be until the tail end of the series.
Ollie Robinson: FIT
Opted for a cortisone injection in his back at the start of the season to settle irritation in the facet joints of his back, and was struck by a bout of cramp after a career-best, 14-wicket haul versus Worcestershire last week, but ECB advice to rest for a few days was precautionary rather than imperative.
England’s new star man Ollie Robinson has been in good form for Sussex this season
James Anderson’s fitness is at risk after suffering a groin issue this week, though it’s unclear how serious the potential injury is
Chris Woakes: FIT
Another one rested by the ECB this week, in his case to manage a four-day workload, given the proximity of Ireland’s visit to Lord’s for a one-off Test on June 1.
Looks certain to face the Irish.
Stuart Broad: FIT
Fingers crossed given the fate of others, but everything appears to have gone to plan thus far for the 36-year-old ahead of what will be his fifth home Ashes.
Everything has gone to plan so far for Stuart Broad ahead of his fifth home Ashes series
Brydon Carse: SWEAT
The nine-cap England one-day international was sent for a scan yesterday after reporting trunk pain during Durham’s match against Yorkshire.
Matthew Potts: FIT
Has produced a reprise of the form that earned him an international debut by taking 24 wickets in four first-class appearances.
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