Anderson injured at England's boot camp

James Anderson, the England fast bowler, is suffering from a cracked rib, an injury he sustained during the team's recent preparation camp in Germany, but the ECB expects that he will be fit for the first Ashes Test beginning in Brisbane on November 25.

"Anderson is continuing his training programme ahead of the Ashes tour and will fly out to Australia with England's Test squad on October 29," the ECB said. "It is anticipated that he will be fit and available for selection for the first Test match against Australia in Brisbane."

The England squad took part in a five-day bonding camp in Germany following the conclusion of the ODI series against Pakistan and some of the drills included boxing sessions between team-mates and abseiling. Anderson suffered a heavy blow to the ribs during one of the sessions and sustained a fracture.

The Germany trip was criticised by many, who felt the players needed a rest after a draining summer but the England management insisted the trip should go ahead.

Anderson was England's leading wicket-taker in the Test series against Pakistan with 23 wickets at 13.73 from the four matches. He impressed with a new-found control and had appeared to make genuine progress under England's new bowling coach David Saker.

England's fast-bowling replacement options for the Ashes are Ajmal Shahzad and Chris Tremlett. Shahzad was left out of the original squad but was due to travel with the England team as an additional player for their three warm-up games ahead of the first Test. Tremlett, who is in the squad, last played for England in 2007 but his tall hit-the-pitch approach may be deemed too similar to Stuart Broad and Steven Finn, who are the other likely starters.