James Anderson injury a blow to series – Morne Morkel

South Africa's Morne Morkel hopes James Anderson recovers from his calf injury in time to play in the upcoming Test series with England.

Anderson is a major doubt for the first match of the four-Test series after struggling with a tight muscle in the build-up to the clash in Durban.

Were he to miss the opener – and subsequent games in the series – Morkel believes the contest would lose some of its intensity.

"It would be massive [if Anderson was ruled out], he's their senior bowler, he's the guy who leads from the front," said Morkel.

"That's a big blow for the series if he doesn't play. We want the best for this series. If Jimmy is fit, it's great for cricket.

"I have got a lot of respect for Jimmy. His skill with the ball is quality. I really hope he is fit to showcase that, to see him and Dale Steyn go head-to-head would be unbelievable."