James Anderson to miss opening India Test, Alastair Cook says
Friday 21 October 2016 10:37, UK
James Anderson will not be fit for England's first Test in India next month, his captain Alastair Cook says.
England's leading Test wicket-taker is still recovering from the shoulder injury that forced him to sit out the upcoming two-Test series in Bangladesh.
And Cook, who will become England's most-capped Test cricketer when he leads the team into Thursday's opener against Bangladesh, live on Sky Sports, is resigned to starting the five-match series against India without his leading strike bowler.
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"I don't think he will be there for the start," Cook said at his pre-match press conference in Chittagong. "He might come out to do some training but he will not be ready to play in the first Test.
"I don't know what's happening - they will be making some decisions over the next seven days or so. I spoke to him last night and he is training well and in good shape physically."
Asked whether Anderson would be fit to play any part in India, Cook said: "I think so. You should probably speak to the medical team and Jimmy on that.
"He hasn't yet bowled since, and that has been the problem in the past. However physically well he's been in the rest of his body, it's when he starts bowling. He's making some really good strides and we'll know more later on."
