James Anderson announces that he is in good shape and ready to shoot a huge Ashes boost.

James Anderson is back bowling for Lancashire. Photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

James Anderson is back in bowling and announces he will 'definitely' be ready for the start of the Ashes series at Edgbaston on June 16.

Anderson was bowling this week at Old Trafford ahead of schedule and will continue to recover. from a groin strain before joining England on Sunday to begin preparations for a four-day test against Ireland.

This is the second good news for England this week after a scan cleared Ollie Robinson of serious damage. following an ankle injury sustained while playing for Sussex over the weekend. Anderson suffered a groin strain while playing for Lancashire last week, raising fears the 40-year-old will miss the start of the Ashes and join England's growing list of injured bowlers, which includes Jofra Archer, Ollie Stone and Jamie Overton.

It remains unlikely that Anderson will play Ireland next week as England will pick a sensible option and not rush him ahead of schedule. England have added Worcestershire bowler Josh Tong without a cap to the Ireland Test squad as cover.

“It [the groin injury] is good. It's not too serious. I'm back to bowling and running and I'm sure I'll be fit and shooting soon,» Anderson told Telegraph Sport. “The idea is to try to get ahead here in Lancashire over the next few days and then meet England on Sunday and see what I get. I'm on the team for the Irish test, but we have to do it closer to the time.”

When asked if he would be ready for Ash's first test in Edgbaston, Anderson replied: “Yes, definitely. He feels really good and seems to have responded to the treatment. I have no problem running or bowling and just with my fingers crossed I can carry on as before and be ready for the Ashes.”