Ashes 2019: ‘Distraught’ Jimmy Anderson apologises to England teammates after re-injuring calf vs Australia in first Test

The fast bowler only completed four overs at Edgbaston before succumbing to injury

James Anderson is “distraught” after re-injuring his calf in the first Ashes Test and even apologised to England teammates after pulling up.

Anderson was a doubt heading into the series opener after picking up the injury playing for Lancashire last month.

The 37-year-old caused Australia problems early on but his momentum was halted after the injury setback, with Chris Woakes replacing him in the attack.

And fellow quick Stuart Broad, who enjoyed a fine day taking five wickets, revealed the emotional words shared by Anderson to the squad.

“He is down, he’s frustrated... he actually came and said sorry to all the bowlers, not that he’s got anything to be sorry for,” Broad said.

“He is distraught he couldn’t be out there today. He feels like he’s let the bowling group down but he hasn’t.

“Niggles are a part of fast bowling, but he’s down in the dumps as you’d expect.”

Anderson did not return to the field after being set for a scan during the lunch break.

“We don’t know the full extent yet,” Broad added. “All we can hope is the news is better than we expect.”

Without their record wicket-taker, England still managed to dismiss Australia for 284 as Broad stepped up to the occasion to claim 5-86.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Anderson’s injury was a “massive turning point” in the five-test series.

Anderson has aggravated his calf injury (PA)

“It looks like he won’t be available for a few weeks,” Vaughan told BBC.

“In hindsight, maybe Jimmy should have played last week (against Ireland) to see if his legs could stand up to a test match.”

PA Sport contributed to this report