England’s leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson will play no further part with the ball in Lancashire’s County Championship fixture against Durham after sustaining right calf tightness this morning.

Anderson completed his first over of the day half an hour into the morning’s play but when he returned for his second over – his 19th of the Durham innings – he was forced to pull-up during his run-up.

It has been reported by BBC Radio Lancashire that Anderson attempted to complete his third delivery of the over on three separate occasions – the third from an excessively shortened delivery stride – but eventually decided to leave the pitch in order to prevent the aggravation of any potential damage. The over was then completed by team-mate Josh Bohannon.

.@jimmy9 has pulled up after two balls of the 84th over and is going off the field. replaced by Josh Bohannon. @DurhamCricket 233-5 #LANvDUR

— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) July 2, 2019

The first Ashes Test match between England and Australia is scheduled for August 1, just under a month away, and the 36-year-old swing bowler was seen to be clutching his calf as he retreated from the field. Lancashire confirmed Anderson’s right-calf to be the area of discomfort and stated that the fast bowler will continue to be assessed during the match, whilst bowling no further overs.

9⃣5⃣0⃣ First Class wickets and counting for @jimmy9. ?

Legend. ?

? #RedRoseTogether pic.twitter.com/7XpQXUKdI8

— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) July 1, 2019

Lancashire’s County Championship Division Two fixture against Durham is being hosted by the Sedbergh School in Cumbria, making the venue the newest first-class ground in the country. Durham captain Cameron Bancroft is also playing in the match and made 77 before being bowled by Anderson en route to his 950th first-class wicket.