(REUTERS) – England seamer James Anderson is under an injury cloud ahead of next month’s Ashes series against Australia after he was forced off a County Championship match with a calf injury on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old, who has more wickets than any other fast bowler in Test cricket with 575, pulled up on his run-up and was then forced to leave the field on day three of Lancashire’s match against Durham.

While an injury to England’s pace spearhead would be a major concern for England leading into the Ashes, Lancashire assistant coach Mark Chilton said the issue did not seem serious.
“Jimmy has been seated with an ice pack on but he seems fine and reasonably jovial,” he added.

“With any bowler, if they feel something abnormal we would much rather they came off and get assessed rather than take it a step too far.

“He has been very well managed with regard to his bowling loads and his overs and I think that has been managed expertly right throughout the season.”

While England’s one-day international squad have been in World Cup action, Anderson has had an extended spell with Lancashire in preparation for the Ashes, which begins at Edgbaston on August 1.