England will give Jimmy Anderson every chance of playing in the fifth Ashes Test, having named him in a 14-man squad for the dead rubber.
Anderson played a key part in England reclaiming of the urn, but missed their crushing win at Trent Bridge in the fourth Test due to a side strain.
The country's all-time leading wicket-taker has started running and remains upbeat he will be fit to play on August 20, when the final Test starts at the Oval.
"Anderson is continuing to improve and with ten days to go before the Test may be able to play a part at The Oval," national selector James Whitaker said.
"Although with the series won we will not be taking any chances given the cricket we have in the coming months.
"I have no doubt the players will want a strong finish to the series and we can look forward to another entertaining Test match."
Uncapped paceman Mark Footitt made way for Anderson in the only change to the 14-man squad that was named for the fourth Test.
England 14-man squad for fifth Test: Alastair Cook (capt), Adam Lyth, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Steve Finn, Jimmy Anderson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid.
Share
