England's Anderson in injury scare
James Anderson is in danger of missing the fourth Test against Australia due to injury.
BIRMINGHAM (AFP) - James Anderson, England s all-time leading wicket-taker, is in danger of missing the fourth Test against Australia and possibly the rest of the Ashes series after suffering a side injury at Edgbaston on Thursday.
Anderson left the field three balls into his ninth over in Australia s second innings of the third Test at Edgbaston with what appeared to be a side strain.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) subsequently released a statement via Twitter saying Anderson had a "tight side" and would be "assessed overnight".
Anderson s absence on Thursday did not harm England unduly, with recalled fast bowler Steven Finn taking five for 45 as Australia closed on 168 for seven -- a lead of just 23 runs with three days left in the match.
England are still in pole position to go 2-1 up in the five-match series, even if Anderson doesn t bowl again in this match.
But they would dearly love to have him fit in time for next week s fourth Test at Trent Bridge.
However, England great Ian Botham said he feared Anderson would be ruled out of the series.
"If it s an intercostal, we won t see him again in this series," the former pace bowling all-rounder said on Sky Sports.
"You can t sneeze, can t cough, can t laugh. You have to let it heal."
Anderson, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Thursday, has a brilliant record at Trent Bridge
