James Anderson takes two wickets on return to action

James Anderson took two wickets for Lancashire's 2nd XI on his return from injury as he steps up preparations for the Test series against India.

Anderson has been out of action nursing an on-going shoulder problem since the series against Pakistan which finished in early June.

He claimed 2 for 32 from 14 overs - the most sent down by any of the Lancashire attack as Nottinghamshire were bowled out for 126 - in the match which had been arranged to aid Anderson's comeback.

There had initially been talk that he could appear for Surrey against West Indies A this week but a short-term switch of counties did not happen.

Providing he comes through this fixture with no adverse reaction he will look to step up his comeback in the Roses Championship fixture against Yorkshire at Old Trafford next weekend.

Anderson's new-ball partner, Stuart Broad, is also currently resting an ankle injury and is pencilled in for a return against Surrey in the County Championship from July 22 which would be his only chance for red-ball cricket before the first Test on August 1.

There are also question marks over who will be England's third frontline quick in the series with Chris Woakes early in his return from a thigh injury picked up against Pakistan. He has recently played for Warwickshire's 2nd XI and will take on India A with England Lions this week. He and Mark Wood played one Test apiece against Pakistan.

The series will be a test of fitness for pace bowlers on both sides - and the depth of resources available - with five matches crammed into six weeks with the longest break between matches being seven days after the third Test.