Anderson, Broad ruled out of domestic season

The pace duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad will miss the rest of the domestic season due to injuries, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Saturday (August 27). Anderson, England's leading wicket-taker in both Tests and One-Day Internationals (ODIs), sustained an injury to his right shoulder blade during the third Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's, while Broad has been troubled by an ankle problem.

The Nottinghamshire pacer aggravated the injury on his left ankle during the Natwest T20 Blast semifinal game against Northamptonshire. He bowled only two overs, gave away 18 runs and couldn't take a single wicket.

Meanwhile, Anderson, who missed the first Test against Pakistan at Lord's due to his shoulder injury, made a return to the national set-up for the remainder of the four-match series. He took nine wickets at an average of 25.66, but was down on pace and rhythm.

Initially, Anderson and Broad were expected to play for Lancashire and Nottinghamshire respectively, in the County Championship, but now they have been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

A statement released by the ECB said: "Anderson requires ongoing rehabilitation of his right shoulder and Broad, who last played in the NatWest T20 Finals Day for Nottinghamshire last week, is recovering from an ankle problem."

"Both players have managed their injuries through the summer. A break from cricket is needed to best prepare the Test opening bowling pair for England's winter campaign that begins this October in Bangladesh."