James Anderson is set to return from injury in a specially-arranged three-day match for Lancashire 2nd XI as he seeks to prove his fitness for the start of the Test series against India next month.
England's all-time leading wicket-taker has been out of action since the Test win over Pakistan at Headingley at the start of June because of a long-standing injury to his bowling shoulder.
The 35-year-old is due back for the three-day 2nd XI fixture against Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford on July 15, however, and then pencilled in too to face Yorkshire on the same ground in the Specsavers County Championship on July 22.
The five-Test series against India begins at Edgbaston on August 1.
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced a brief update on Anderson's plans on Wednesday morning.
It read: "England seamer Jimmy Anderson will make his return to competitive cricket for Lancashire second XI in a three-day match against Nottinghamshire at Emirates Old Trafford starting on July 15.
"Anderson, who has not played since the second Test victory over Pakistan on June 3, has spent the past month rehabilitating a long-standing right shoulder injury and returned to bowling working with Lancashire and England staff in the past seven days.
"As part of his plan, before the first Specsavers Test against India starting on August 1, he will play for Lancashire seconds against Nottinghamshire and the Roses match in the Specsavers County Championship Division One match against Yorkshire at Emirates Old Trafford starting on July 22."
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