England seamer James Anderson ruled out of South Africa tour with rib injury

Veteran bowler faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines

England seamer James Anderson won't feature in the remainder of the South Africa Test series. Getty Images

England received some bad news late on Wednesday as James Anderson was ruled out of the remainder of the four-match Test series against South Africa due to a rib injury.

Anderson faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines after picking up the injury during the second Test in Cape Town.

It was a major setback for Anderson, 37, who was just two games into his comeback following a calf injury.

Anderson spent five months working back to full fitness and looked in good rhythm as he picked up seven wickets in the series-leveling win at Newlands.

However, he was in visible discomfort on the final day and could not bowl his quota of overs. An MRI scan on Wednesday confirmed the injury.

"James Anderson has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against South Africa after sustaining a left rib injury in England's second Test victory at Newlands," the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement.

"Anderson felt tightness and discomfort at the end of the morning session on day five and was only able to bowl eight overs during the day. He will return to the UK in the next few days."

Anderson's tally of 584 Test scalps make him the most successful seamer in history. And while he remains a threat with the ball, questions will now be raised about his fitness.

With a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Anderson will look to get ready for the English season, aiming to become just the fourth man in history to take 600 Test wickets after Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne and Anil Kumble.