16 November,2016 09:12 AM IST | | PA Sport
England are planning to delay fast bowler James Anderson’s Test cricket return and stick with an unchanged team against India for the second Test match in Vizag
England pacer James Anderson
London: England are planning to delay James Anderson's Test return and stick with an unchanged team against India in Vizag.
Anderson, his country's all-time leading wicket-taker, has done enough in the nets during the first Test in Rajkot since his arrival after recovering from a stress fracture of his shoulder to convince England's medical team he is ready to play this week if needed.
But after England's admirable performance to take the honours in a drawn series opener - one Trevor Bayliss describes as the best in his 18-month tenure as coach - the same XI is set to take the field again tomorrow.
There appears little doubt that the pitch this week will favour spin significantly more than in Rajkot.
That means Anderson will have another week to ready himself.
England do not need to close the door completely yet on Anderson for the second Test - and with that in mind, Bayliss added: "We will look at Jimmy. He's coming along pretty well."
