Ashes 2015: James Anderson to miss fifth Test at The Oval

James Anderson also missed the fourth Test at Trent Bridge. (Source: AP)

England fast bowler James Anderson will not play in the final Ashes Test against Australia at The Oval due to a side strain, the BBC reported on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old, England’s leading Test wicket taker, missed the fourth match at Trent Bridge which the hosts won by an innings and 78 runs to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series.

Mark Wood is likely to keep his place in the team in a four-man pace attack with Stuart Broad, Steven Finn and Ben Stokes.

The fifth Test starts on Thursday.