Even though James Anderson did not take part in the Emirates Airlines Twenty20 on Friday as scheduled, the England bowler believes the 10-day stint in the UAE with Lancashire is going to be crucial to his return to national duty later in the summer.

The 31-year-old seamer is currently England’s leading wicket-taker in Tests (343) and One Day Internationals (245) – but he too suffered a horrible trip Down Under for the Ashes, which England lost 5-0.

Anderson could only manage 14 wickets in the five Ashes matches, and it was later revealed he played the series despite a rib injury sustained during the second Test.

Even though Anderson played down the injury, he did admit that becoming 100 per cent fit physically is his prime objective as he prepares for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka and India.

“What I have been doing ever since I came back from Australia is trying to be as fit as I possibly can be. I want to get 100 per cent fit and perhaps play a couple of games here in the UAE and then start the season with Lancashire.

"I’d like to get some form and take a few wickets and win as many games as possible. I am not looking too far ahead. I am just trying to get back to the basics really – trying to get my action right and making sure that I am consistent with my bowling."

On the ongoing ICC World T20 Cup, Anderson felt England’s chances depended upon how well they fared against the spinners.

He said: “I think the World T20 is going to be tough for us, because, obviously, the conditions in Bangladesh are a bit alien for us.

“We have got some quality bowlers to be able to do some damage out there, and if we can play the spinners well, hopefully, we have a chance.”