The Ashes: Anderson in doubt

James Anderson is in doubt for the Boxing Day test. Photo / Getty Images

England's chances of securing the Ashes in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne have taken a hit with the news that James Anderson is carrying a side injury.

England coach Andy Flower confirmed his most experienced seamer had pulled up stiff following Australia's series-levelling win in the third Test in Perth.

With the series locked at 1-1, England need only win one of the final two Tests to retain the Ashes after winning last year's series.

With Stuart Broad out of the tour with injury and young quick Steve Finn looking fatigued during the WACA Test, Anderson's withdrawal would cause a further shake-up of the touring side's attack.

Anderson bowled well in the opening two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide before his form dipped in Perth after flying home to England for the birth of his second child.

Flower thought that Anderson would be OK for the MCG match but side injuries are notoriously troublesome to shake off for quicks in a short period of time.

"A five-Test series is hard, physically and emotionally," Flower told the British press.

"For the fast bowlers even more so because we don't have an all-rounder and are sticking with our four-bowler attack.

"Anderson's feeling stiff in his side but the indications are he should be fine for Melbourne.

"Finn's handled himself very well for a 21-year-old in his first Ashes series. But a lot of the players will feel the effects three Tests into a five-match series.

"We have a few days off to rest and recuperate and we'll make decisions then."

All-rounder Tim Bresnan or quick Ajmal Shahzad would come into the England side for their Ashes debut if Anderson was ruled out.

A packed MCG would be a daunting stage for Bresnan or Shahzad to make their maiden Test appearance against Australia, the right-armers only having played five and one Test respectively.

There had been speculation about Finn's place in the England side despite him being the leading wicket-taker in the series with 14 scalps.

The concerns in the English camp had surrounded his fitness and leaking of runs with 4.3 runs an over coming off his bowling.

But if Anderson were to sit out the match in Melbourne, it is unlikely England would be keen to completely replace their three-pace attack from the opening Test.

- AAP