Jimmy Anderson determined to feature in the Ashes: "The thought of more time away from the game is driving me nuts"

England's premier bowler was forced off the field having bowled just four overs in the first innings of the first Test against Australia, complaining of stiffness in his calf

Jimmy Anderson has not given up on playing a part in this summer's Ashes despite his injury frustrations at Edgbaston.

England's premier bowler was forced off the field having bowled just four overs in the first innings of the first Test against Australia, complaining of stiffness in his calf.

He did not bowl again in the match and has subsequently been ruled out of the second Test at Lord's, which is due to begin on August 14, with England and Lancashire's medical teams helping him through his rehabilitation.

Some fear the injury could keep him out for the remainder of the Ashes campaign.

"The thought of more time away from the game is driving me nuts," Anderson told The Sun.

^{Jimmy Anderson is struggling with a calf injury}

"I haven’t thought about giving up. My body feels great everywhere else, I’m as fit as I’ve ever been.

"It’s just this one muscle that is bugging me and not allowing me to do what I want to.

"I’m pretty confident I can get over this, I want to keep going.

"The plan is to get back and play some part in The Ashes but, if that doesn’t work out, the winter is absolutely on my radar."

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Anderson underwent an MRI scan on the troublesome area, which showed that he had exacerbated the same problem which flared up during an appearance for Lancashire earlier in the season.

He was put through sprint and bowling exercises on the Edgbaston outfield and in the nets during the first Test but was not cleared to take part, and he looked uncomfortable when he came out to bat.

Jofra Archer is likely to take Anderson's place in the side for the Lord's encounter.

Archer proved his fitness after a left side strain by turning out for Sussex's 2nd XI against Gloucestershire at Blackstone in a three-day game, which started on Tuesday.

He made quite an impact, taking 6-27 and then hitting 108.

England want Anderson to prove his fitness in a match scenario before he is restored to the side. Lancashire's next County Championship outing is not until August 18 - against Glamorgan at Colwyn Bay - and after that they are not in four-day action again until September 10.

Anderson could, in theory, follow Archer's lead and make an appearance in 2nd XI cricket. The Lancashire second-string have two three-day matches against Leicestershire scheduled for August 20 and August 27. 

If Anderson recovers well, that could put him in the frame for a return in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which is due to start on September 4. An alternative, as reported by The Telegraph, is a run-out for Derbyshire against Australia A.

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