Anderson doubtful for Pakistan Tests

"Due to the nature of the injury, Jimmy's availability for the Pakistan Test series, commencing on July 14, will be determined following ongoing management and review by both the ECB and Lancashire's medical teams," read an ECB statement.

England bowler James Anderson tops the chart in the Test bowler's ranking.

England could be without record wicket-taker James Anderson in its Test series with Pakistan, after it was confirmed the seamer has suffered a stress fracture in his right shoulder blade.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revealed the nature of Anderson's injury – sustained in the recent Lord's Test against Sri Lanka – on Saturday.

"Due to the nature of the injury, Jimmy's availability for the Pakistan Test series, commencing on July 14, will be determined following ongoing management and review by both the ECB and Lancashire's medical teams," read a statement.

"He will miss Lancashire’s Specsavers County Championship matches against Middlesex, commencing on Sunday at Lord's, and against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, starting on July 3.

Anderson tops the ICC Test bowling rankings, having claimed 21 wickets in three home five-day matches against Sri Lanka.

Those scalps took his career haul to 454 in the longest format and England will be hoping the 33-year-old can make a swift recovery given his importance to their team.

Alastair Cook's side will play four Tests against Pakistan – at Lord's, Old Trafford, Edgbaston and The Oval, with the final match starting on August 11.