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England's bowling mentor James Anderson is expected to miss all the lead-up ahead of the first Test against Pakistan, beginning on October 7 in Multan. The 42-year-old is set to partake in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland.
The legendary pacer had retired after the Lord's Test against the West Indies in the home summer this year, having snaffled a record-breaking 704 wickets in 188 Tests.
The team's managing director Robert Key had stressed on keeping the Lancashire bowler in their coaching staff. As a result, the veteran assumed the role of a mentor for the remaining Tests of the summer.
The Englishman is reportedly in daily contact with the pacers amid his participation in the Golf competition in Scotland. However, he is not due to arrive until the second Test in Multan.
James Anderson played a pivotal role in England's Test series victory over Pakistan in 2022
Unlike the upcoming series, the tourists had an experienced bowling attack in the 2022 leg in Pakistan, spearheaded by James Anderson alongside Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson. The trio took a total of 25 wickets, as England secured a 3-0 Test series whitewash. While the veteran has now retired, Wood and Robinson are not part of the squad.
Instead, the likes of Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, and Olly Stone will make up England's bowling attack. The Englishmen also face another roadblock ahead of the opening Test as Ben Stokes is not a certainty.
The ace all-rounder hasn't been in action for over a month now and missed the Test seroes against Sri Lanka. Ollie Pope, who captained England against Sri Lanka, could also lead in the first Test against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the hosts are under pressure after suffering a humiliating 2-0 series loss to Bangladesh recently. They haven't won a home Test since 2021, with Shan Masood losing all five of his matches since becoming captain.
