England’s front-line bowler James Anderson will miss the remaining two Tests of the four-match series against South Africa due to a rib injury that occurred during the final day of the Cape Town Test.
Anderson felt a bit discomfort at the end of the morning session and was only able to bowl eight overs during the day.
“England seamer James Anderson has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against South Africa,” the ECB said in a statement.
In total, he bowled 18 overs in South Africa’s second innings and finished with figures of 2-23. Craig Overton, the all-rounder from Somerset, will replace Anderson.
Overton has played four Tests so far for his country and taken nine wickets.
Anderson also reacted to the unfortunate news and took to Twitter to express his feelings. He’s hopeful that he will get alright in a few weeks.
“Frustrating to be missing the rest of this series with a broken rib but hopefully will be healed in a few weeks! Will be supporting the boys from home,” tweeted Anderson.
Frustrating to be missing the rest of this series with a broken rib but hopefully will be healed in a few weeks! Will be supporting the boys from home 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/rPM3FebQi5
— James Anderson (@jimmy9) January 8, 2020
Anderson has 584 Test scalps to his name, and he would be hoping to reach 600 wickets milestone to become just the fourth bowler in history to achieve this rare landmark. Currently, only Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and Anil Kumble have earned this feat.
