Boxing not so clever: James Anderson dons the gloves and headguard, but his ribs felt the blow from Chris Tremlett Photo: GETTY IMAGES Telegraph Sport understands it was a blow from 6ft 7in fast bowler Tremlett during a boxing session on the team's recent bonding trip to Germany that left Anderson with an injury to his left side which is likely to rule him out of at least the opening warm-up match against Western Australia starting on Nov 5.
The England management say they believe Anderson will be fit for the first Test, which starts in Brisbane on Nov 25, but his workload will have to be "managed" for the first few weeks of the tour.
The fact the injury is to his left side is an added and potentially serious complication. Fast bowlers in the past have struggled to shake off less serious injuries to a part of the body which is pivotal to a bowling action.
Anderson is understood to be bitterly disappointed by the injury, which was sustained during a boxing bout with a player five inches taller and of a thicker build. The irony is that Tremlett now has an early chance to pus his own claims for a Test place
Even if he recovers in time for the first Test the injury will affect Anderson's preparations and he will not want to miss more than the first warm-up match.
The three practice games will be a crucial period for the bowlers to become accustomed to the Kookaburra ball and Australian pitches.
Anderson suffered the blow during one of several physical sessions held during the four-day trip to Germany. Sources have indicated that the injury was not thought to be serious at the time. Anderson went abseiling afterwards but later reported soreness in his ribs.
The injury will raise questions about the wisdom of the Germany trip, which followed a gruelling summer that included a World Twenty20 tournament, six Tests and the emotional stress of the match-fixing scandal.
But Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower, the team director, believe it was crucial for building bonds ahead of a tour on which unity will be important.
Ajmal Shahzad, the Yorkshire bowler, is likely to cover for Anderson in the squad. England's final warm-up match is against Australia A in Hobart, a week before the first Test. Anderson would have to play to be considered for the first Test.
Kevin Pietersen's search for form continues after he was dismissed for a second-ball duck for Dolphins on Friday.
Pietersen made 36 in his first match for the South African franchise and has one more innings in this game before flying out to Australia to rejoin England.
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