English fashion designer James Anderson says he expects to be in top form ‘within weeks’ after suffering from a slight groin sprain.
Anderson, 40, left the pitch on the first day of Lancashire’s game against Somerset on May 11 and did not take part in the four-day game again.
But he was named in England squad for Test against Ireland from June 1.
“I’m not worried about it,” Anderson told the BBC’s Tailenders podcast.
Anderson said he felt a “thrill” in his groin in his 14th game against Somerset but was able to rest as the rest of the day was abandoned by rain.
A scan that evening showed slight tension, but Anderson is optimistic about his recovery.
“Obviously it’s not great to get injured, but it’s probably the best result for what it is, because it’s a low level thing and I think in a couple of weeks I’ll be back in full swing. shape,” he said.
“It’s frustrating because you still want to feel good and bowl enough before a set and you want to be fresh, so now it’s about trying to plan the best route this summer.
“I felt like I needed to play this game, so it’s not ideal, but I’m not stressed about it.”
Anderson added that he was not “targeting” the Ireland test as a return date, to avoid rushing and prolonging the injury.
Anderson was kicked out of the Ashes in 2019 after just one session, after suffering a calf injury.
“I take it day by day and see how it goes because obviously I don’t want to risk anything by making it worse,” he said.
“I’m more confident that I can pull off this one [than in 2019] and give the Ashes a good crack.”
Anderson is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Tests with 685 kills.
