James Anderson to step up Ashes comeback plan with Lancashire Second XI

James Anderson will step-up his bid to return to England's Test team with another match for Lancashire Second XI next week.

Anderson, who was forced out of the first Test of the Ashes series due to a calf injury, will feature in a four-day friendly fixture against Durham at Chester Boughton Hall CC from August 27. If he comes through the game unscathed, he will have a good chance of winning a recall to the England side for the fourth Test at Old Trafford starting on September 4.

Anderson bowled nine overs for Lancashire Seconds in a match against Leicestershire earlier this week. He claimed 2 for 23 and reported no recurrence of the calf problem that first bothered him in early July.

The nature of such fixtures will mean Anderson can be withdrawn from the action as required and will not necessarily be obliged to spend session after session in the field.

He was at Headingley on Thursday continuing his rehabilitation with the England medical team.