Although no-one is accusing Chris Tremlett of deliberately setting out to break James Anderson's ribs when the two were sparing in England's pre-Ashes training camp in Germany, the 6'7" bowler may have given himself a fighting chance of starting next month's opening Test in Brisbane.
If Anderson misses out with the injury then Tremlett will most probably battle it out with Tim Bresnan for the third seamer position. Anyone looking for Ashes betting tips on the top England bowler should bear this in mind.
The training camp was organised as a chance for the England squad to gel before embarking on a long tour of Australia. The ECB may be regretting that decision now, although training accidents can and do happen at any time.
Early reports suggested that Anderson would be out for the first two tests but the ECB have dismissed this, claiming the bowler is still in contention for the opening match, which starts on the 25th of November in Brisbane.
Although it wouldn't be the end of the world if Anderson was missing from the opening test, the Ashes betting suggests England's best hopes of winning their first series on Australian soil in 24 years are if the Lancashire bowler is fully fit and ready.
Anderson is on course to pass 200 Test wickets during the Ashes and will be desperate to get going straight away. Anderson has had another good year for England, with the highlight coming in the opening Test against Pakistan in the now infamous series this summer where he picked up career-best match figures of 11-71.
One thing's for sure though, Australia will fancy their chances much more if Anderson is missing from the opening team sheet.
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