Cricket: Rested Anderson Left Frustrated

England seamer James Anderson has expressed frustration after being left out of the squad for the third Test against the West Indies.

With the three-match series won thanks to a five-wicket success at Lord’s and a nine-wicket triumph at Trent Bridge, the home side decided to rest the leader of their pace attack for the match at Edgbaston.

“It’s extremely disappointing for me to miss out,” Anderson told the Mail on Sunday.

“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.

England are eager to afford Steven Finn or Graeme Onions a chance to impress in the wake of Anderson’s exit for the clash in Birmingham. Both right-armers might play if Stuart Broad is rested too.

“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,” added Anderson.

“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.