England pace spearhead James Anderson has been ruled out of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Durban with a calf strain on Thursday.
The 33-year-old right hander underwent a scan on his tight right calf muscle on Tuesday and the ECB's medical team subsequently confirmed the strain, ESPNcricinfo reported.
Anderson, the England's leading Test wicket-taker, bowled only for five overs before being rested during his side's first warm-up match, which his side won by an innings and 91 runs against South Africa A.
England will play a four-match Test series against South Africa starting from 26 December.