James Anderson posts a heart-breaking Tweet after getting injured once again

In what is a huge heartbreak for James Anderson and fans of England cricket, the fast bowler will play no further part in the series against South Africa after injuring a rib in his left side on day five of the Cape Town Test, which England won by 189 runs. Scans have revealed that the injury is likely to keep the 37-year-old away from cricket for the next two months.

It is a substantial blow to England, and to Anderson, who had only recently returned from a four-month injury lay-off. Anderson is ‘frustrated’ by his latest setback but hopeful that the injury is not too serious.

‘Frustrating to be missing the rest of this series with a broken rib but hopefully will be healed in a few weeks,’ Anderson tweeted. ‘Will be supporting the boys from home.’

The legendary pacer has taken 584 Test wickets since making his debut in 2003 and Mark Ramprakash says his absence will ‘hurt’ Joe Root’s side. ‘It is concerning,’ the former England batsman told Sky Sports. ‘I know him personally and he’s been a tremendous professional for England. ‘He’s got a stellar record and he’s such a great competitor. In terms of England’s remaining matches on this trip, he would have had a big say.

‘He had regained that high standard of bowling in Cape Town so his absence is going to hurt England. It’s a big blow for Joe Root.’

Jofra Archer, who missed the second Test due to an injury might return to the England side for the third Test. Chris Woakes, Mark Wood and Craig Overton are other options they could try.

Anderson has been very injury prone and with age not by his side, fans of England cricket, and the England cricket team itself, will soon have to make peace with the fact that all good things must come to an end.