England's leading all-time wicket-taker, James Anderson, looks set return to their bowling attack for the second cricket test against South Africa, which begins in Cape Town tonight.
The England fast bowler James Anderson is expected to return from injury. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The absence of Anderson, who missed the first Test with a calf injury, was hardly noticed in Durban, as England bowled out South Africa for 214 and 174 on their way to a 241-run victory.
But he's expected to replace Chris Woakes for the Cape Town match, after going through a lengthy session in the nets with no adverse results.
The England coach, Trevor Bayliss, says the signs look good for Anderson.
"He's been working hard but we have to wait and see how he pulls up," Bayliss told reporters.
"My thought is you'd probably go with him, so fingers crossed he comes to us and says his body's feeling good."
The England Captain, Alastair Cook, says Anderson is desperate to play, but they would have to carefully consider changing a winning team.
"It's fair to say the 11 who played in Durban did a pretty good job but when you've got someone like him and his wickets, then if he is fit to go he'll play," Cook said..
"It's an interesting call because the number of overs he's bowled on this tour so far are not a huge amount and the heat out there means the test conditions will be tough for all of us."
Meanwhile. the South African fast bowler, Dale Steyn, will miss the match with a shoulder injury.
It's a big blow for the home side, with Steyn picking up four wickets in the first Test.
- Reuters