Loans for Plunkett and Anderson?

It is possible that Liam Plunkett and James Anderson could use County Cricket’s loan system to ensure their fitness for the Ashes.

Both have been suffering from injuries this season, and the possibility of this move shows they are still in England’s plans. England’s Ashes squad will be announced on Tuesday, and is preceded by a medical at Loughborough on Monday.

If they are deemed fit enough, they could use the loan system implemented last year to get some gametime. They are unlikely to play for their own counties, as they will not take the risk of playing a potentially unfit player. Anderson’s Lancashire are locked in a battle for the title with Sussex, while Plunkett’s Durham are fighting to avoid relegation.