England’s leading Test wicket-taker, James Anderson, will be out of action for the next six weeks to rest his long-standing shoulder injury. He will miss two county games for Lancashire against Worcestershire and Hampshire during this period.

“It's wear and tear. Rehab makes it feel better so it's just about managing it through certain periods," Anderson said. “My shoulder has been an issue ongoing for the last couple of years and it is just looking after it the best way I can.”

The bowler had reported his shoulder woes earlier this year during the Ashes. He had revealed that the sore shoulder of his bowling arm hurt even while brushing his teeth or putting on a T-shirt.

The 35-year-old has been prescribed this break by England’s medical team in a bid to get fully fit ahead of the five-Test home-series against India, which is scheduled to commence from August 1.

“We have five Tests against India in a six-week period from August 1, which will be an intense and challenging period for all our bowlers,” England coach Trevor Bayliss said. “Therefore it's vital that we ensure Jimmy goes into that series in the best possible condition.

“Jimmy has to manage the issue with his right shoulder and we've been advised that the best way for him to prepare for the India series is to take a six-week break from cricket now, initially to rest it and then to work slowly back to cricket.