England's James Anderson rested for West Indies match

 

England have opted to rest seamer James Anderson for the third and final Test against West Indies at Edgbaston, which starts on Thursday.

England lead the series 2-0 and have opted to give Anderson a break with the Tests against South Africa to come.

Anderson has missed only one of England's previous 25 Tests but suffered a slight quad problem in the second Test.

It means Steven Finn or Graham Onions will come in.

Anderson took six wickets in England's nine-wicket win at Trent Bridge, which clinched the series.

The home side's batting line-up will remain unaltered, despite Jonny Bairstow's problems against the short ball at Trent Bridge.

England's summer

  • West Indies: 3 Tests, 3 ODIs, 1 T20 (27 May-24 June)
  • Australia: 5 ODIs (29 June-10 July)
  • South Africa: 3 Tests, 5 ODIs, 3 T20s (19 July-12 Sept)

Bairstow's main tormentor, West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach, has been ruled out of the rest of the tour with a shin injury.

"We have been made to work hard for our two victories so far and are delighted to have secured the series," said national selector Geoff Miller.

"However, we know that we will need to continue to play some good cricket if we want a third win against West Indies this week.

"James Anderson will miss this Test as we look to manage his workload ahead of a busy period of cricket this summer and beyond, a decision which is in the best interests of the team and the player himself."

Anderson, who insisted he is fully fit, earlier told the Mail on Sunday  that he would not be happy to be left out of the squad.

"It would be extremely disappointing for me to miss out," he said.

"It would be different if I felt fatigued or was struggling with an injury. But I believe I am fit to play - and while I am fit to play I want to play in every England game I can.

"Resting players is going to happen more and more often as the schedule gets busier and the ECB has been excellent at monitoring players to keep them fit and ready.

"Sure, this series has been hard work - back-to-back Tests always are; that's what we are used to and have to deal with the world over. But five days of rest is more than enough to be ready to play again."

After the third Test, England play three one-day internationals and a Twenty20 against West Indies before 5 ODIs against Australia with the first of three Tests against South Africa then starting on 19 July.

England Test squad to face West Indies: Andrew Strauss (Middlesex, capt), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Alastair Cook (Essex), Steven Finn (Middlesex), Graham Onions (Durham), Kevin Pietersen (Surrey), Matt Prior (Sussex, wk), Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire), Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire)