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Ashes 2015: England without James Anderson for fifth Test

England seamer James Anderson has been ruled out of the fifth Investec Ashes Test against Australia, which starts at The Oval on Thursday.

The 33-year-old, who is England's leading Test wicket-taker of all time, missed the Ashes-clinching fourth Test victory at Trent Bridge, after picking up a side strain during the third match of the series at Edgbaston.
And England captain Alastair Cook says that, although Anderson has been working hard to regain full fitness, he is not quite ready for a five-day Test match

Cook thinks England are therefore likely to be unchanged from Trent Bridge, providing there are no last-minute injuries.

Cook said at his Wednesday press conference: "Unfortunately, Jimmy is not going to make it.
"He is gutted about it. He has made good progress, real good progress actually, from where he was at Edgbaston, but it is probably a week or so too early.

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"He bowled in the nets yesterday but at about 60 or 70 per cent. That is not how you go into a game.

"He is gutted, he has worked really hard with the fitness guys. The medical team have been brilliant with him but it is just about a week too early."

England are 3-1 up in the series after their innings win in the fourth Test, and, asked if the starting XI from Trent Bridge were set to keep their places, Cook said: "Yes, if everyone pulls up well tomorrow."

England's next Test series is against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October and November and it had been suggested that Yorkshire spinner Adil Rashid, who may well be selected for those matches, might be given a Test debut this week.

Adil Rashid may have to wait a bit longer for his Test debut

But Cook said: "We have come into this game trying to win the series 4-1. That is what we discussed, Trevor (Bayless, coach) and I, and Paul Farbrace (assistant coach).

"Clearly, Adil has been in every single squad. The pitches have not quite suited two spinners, so that is the reason (he has not played in any of the matches).

"Adil will have to wait his chance but I think he is really improving as a cricketer and I think he feels a lot more comfortable in the England environment.

"He had a good one-day series (against New Zealand) and he will probably get his chance in Abu Dhabi