James Anderson has taken another step in his Ashes comeback plan with a solid day's work for Lancashire 2nd XI.

Anderson bowled just four overs on the opening day of the first Test at Edgbaston before he was struck down by a calf injury which ruled him out of the rest of that match and the following two Ashes Tests. He was, however, present behind the scenes for England's historic victory at Headingley, as he continued his rehabilitation with national team medical staff.

Anderson bowled 20 overs for Lancashire 2nd XI on the first day of a four-day friendly against Durham 2nd XI at Chester Boughton Hall CC on Tuesday, claiming 1 for 38 with nine maidens.

It follows his appearance for Lancashire Seconds in a match against Leicestershire last week in which he took 2 for 23 in nine overs and reported no recurrence of the injury, which first bothered him in early July.

It is expected that if he comes through this latest match unscathed, Anderson will have a good chance of winning a recall to the England side for the fourth Test at Old Trafford starting on September 4.