England closer James Anderson was conspicuously absent on the second morning of Lancashire’s LV=Insurance County Championship clash with Somerset, receiving treatment for a “minor issue”.
Anderson was in excellent form on the opening day at Emirates Old Trafford, taking two for 16 in 14 metronomic overs, but left the field shortly before the rain ended the matches.
The 40-year-old did not appear with his team-mates on Friday, with Lancashire confirming that he was experiencing an undisclosed complaint.
A spokesman said: “Jimmy is out of the field with a minor issue, which is currently being assessed.”
England’s record wicket-taker in Test cricket, at 685, is an integral part of their Ashes plans this summer, with the bowling stock already hit by fresh injuries to pace pairing Jofra Archer and Olly Stone.
Archer has returned early from the Indian Premier League with discomfort to his troublesome right elbow, while Stone faces several weeks out after injuring his hamstring while on duty for Nottinghamshire last week.
Anderson managed just four overs in the last series at home against Australia, ruled out with a calf problem on the opening morning of the series.
England begin their summer test against Ireland at Lord’s, a four-day match that kicks off on June 1, before the Ashes opener at Edgbaston on June 16.
