22 Dec 2010

Anderson in doubt for Boxing Day test

6:39 am on 22 December 2010

The England cricketers have their fingers crossed for pace bowler Jimmy Anderson who's carrying a side injury going into the fourth Ashes test starting on Sunday in Melbourne.

Coach Andy Flower says his most experienced seam bowler pulled up stiff following Australia's series-levelling win in the third Test in Perth.

With Stuart Broad out of the tour with injury and youngster Steve Finn looking fatigued during the WACA Test, Anderson's withdrawal would cause a further shake-up of the touring side's attack.

Flower thinks Anderson will be OK for the MCG match, but side injuries are notoriously troublesome to shake off for quicks in a short period of time.