Anderson back in the wickets for Lancashire as he hopes for Ashes return

England's James Anderson still hopes to make an impact in the Ashes and returned to action for Lancashire second XI after a calf injury.

James Anderson bowled only four overs in the first Test at Edgbaston before sustaining a calf injury.

England's record wicket-taker James Anderson made a promising comeback for Lancashire's second team as he returned from a calf injury lay-off.

Anderson is hopeful of playing a part in the latter stages of the Ashes after hobbling out of the opening match against Australia on day one.

He bowled only four overs in England's defeat at Edgbaston and missed the subsequent drawn match at Lord's.

The 37-year-old will also be sidelined for this week's clash at Headingley, but he sent down nine overs for Lancashire's second string on Tuesday against their Leicestershire counterparts at Northern Cricket Club in Crosby.

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He had Leicestershire's Sam Bates caught behind by wicketkeeper George Lavelle, before pinning Ben Mike lbw.

Anderson posted figures of 2-23, with fellow paceman George Burrows taking 6-22 in 13 overs as Leicestershire made 224 at the Merseyside club.

Depending on Anderson's progress, the 575-wicket Test veteran may come into contention for the fourth Ashes clash at Lancashire's Old Trafford home.

That match runs from September 4-8, with the fifth Test at The Oval beginning on September 12.