England fast bowler James Anderson has been ruled out of the first Test against the Proteas due to a calf strain.

The 33-year-old paceman was a major doubt after he reported tightness in his right calf muscle on Monday evening and underwent a scan on Tuesday morning. The strain was confirmed on Thursday.

It is not believed to be a serious injury, and Anderson, who has taken 46 wickets in 11 matches this year at an average just over 22, remains hopeful of being fit for the second Test which starts in Cape Town on 2 January.

The rest of the squad was declared fit, though Joe Root missed training on Thursday due to an upset stomach. Chris Woakes seems likely to join Steven Finn and Stuart Broad in the pace attack and be Anderson’s replacement after he trained with the team on Thursday, while Mark Footit and Chris Jordan also remain options.