Anderson cracks rib at pre-Ashes training camp

The England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed James Anderson suffered a cracked rib during England's pre-Ashes training camp in Germany but the paceman is expected to be fit for the first Test on 25 November.

Anderson struggled during the 5-0 whitewash Down Under four years ago but has emerged as the leader of the attack in the last couple of years and any question marks over his fitness will be seen as a major blow to England's preparations.

A short ECB statement said Anderson, 28, had sustained the injury during the team's secret five-day 'boot camp' last month but added that the Lancashire seamer would fly out with the rest of the squad on 29 October. It continued: "It is anticipated that he will be fit and available for selection for the first Test against Australia in Brisbane."

England's Ashes squad took in a number of activities during the trip, including hiking, abseiling and boxing and rounded off with a group visit to Dachau concentration camp.

Meanwhile, Kevin Pietersen's struggles with the bat continued yesterday as he was out for a two-ball duck for the Dolphins against the Titans in Durban.

The England batsman, who is looking to regain his form ahead of this winter's Ashes, is currently involved in the second of a two-game stint with the Kwa-Zulu Natal union.

The right-hander let the first ball go through outside off-stump, but was given out next ball when he was rapped on the pads in front of the stumps by Ethy Mbhalati.