Anderson set to join elite 150 Test club

James Anderson’s return from injury could not be more timely for England, who are still unsure about the make-up of their bowling attack as they head into the first Test match against South Africa.

But while Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad are still not sure of playing in the match, which starts on Boxing Day, after being laid low with flu, Anderson will be back on the front line for what will be his 150th Test.

England are expected to field a five-man seam attack, foregoing spin, if all their pacemen are fully fit. 

#SAvENG

James Anderson will be the ninth cricketer to reach the 150-Test milestone when he makes his return to the England attack for the first time since limping off with a calf injury at the start of the Ashes in August. https://t.co/j9OfzGR8WQ

— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) December 24, 2019

However, that situation may need to be reassessed based on the availability of Ben Stokes.

The all-rounder’s father was admitted to hospital in Johannesburg his condition was described as being “critical" Tuesday in a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The 37-year-old Anderson will be the ninth cricketer to reach the 150-test milestone – joining the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Steve Waugh and Jacques Kallis – when he makes his return to the England attack for the first time since limping off with a calf injury at the start of the Ashes in August.

While #JofraArcher and #StuartBroad are still not sure of playing in the match, which starts on Boxing Day, after being laid low with flu, #JamesAnderson will be back on the frontline for what will be his 150th Test. #SAvNZhttps://t.co/D49Ja0pT6i

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) December 24, 2019

Anderson had arrived in the country ahead of the majority of the England squad to attend a fast bowlers’ camp, underlining his desire to get back into the team.

Anderson was only 20 when he made his debut, taking five wickets against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in 2003, and last month said he wanted to continue through to the next Ashes series, which will start at the end of 2021 in Australia.