Chris Woakes gives worrying Jimmy Anderson update over England ace's recurring calf injury

England’s leading wicket taker bowled in the nets and limped his way through a short partnership with Woakes after lunch.

“Obviously, we’re gutted for Jimmy,” said Woakes. “He’s dying to play more than anyone. 

“He wasn’t right, which is unfortunate for him and the team with him being the best fast bowler that has ever lived in my opinion with the amount of wickets he’s taken and all that.”

Anderson suffered a recurrence of a calf injury on day one and looks set to be replaced with either Jofra Archer or Sam Curran in the second Test at Lord’s.

Woakes added: “It’s a bit of a blow and moving forward I don’t know what’s going to happen. 

“The fact he hasn’t taken much part in the game so far doesn’t look too promising.”

Steve Smith – who made 144 in the first innings – was the man to once again thwart England again on day three.

He ended the day on 46 and looked effortlessly comfortable at the crease to give Australia a lead of 34 in the first Test at 124-3.

Having entered the fray with the visitors at 27-2, Smith’s return leaves the first Test well poised going into Sunday at Edgbaston.

And bowler James Pattinson is pleased with Australia’s current standing, declaring that former captain Smith – playing in his first Test after a year-long ban – has been counting down the days to this moment.

He told Test Match Special: “We could have let it slip if England had got a 150-160 lead but credit to us for getting six wickets for just over 100 runs.

“We lost early wickets but once we got past that new ball the runs came and it’s about getting stuck in again and trying to bat all day tomorrow.

“Even though it was frustrating not getting Woakes or Broad out, we managed to control it, they weren’t scoring at a high rate. It’s that kind of pitch and hopefully our tailenders can do the same and add some important runs. Whatever lead we can get, it’s going to be a tricky chase.

“Steve Smith is a superstar and superstars peel off runs. He’s been waiting for this moment for a long time.

“It’s been a long road back for me and at one point I had to pinch myself that I’m here. Hopefully we can play good cricket for the next two days and it’ll feel even better if we get the win.”

source: express.co.uk