Anderson misses Edgbaston finale

The England selectors today named a 12-man squad for the third Investec Test against West Indies commencing Thursday 7 June at Edgbaston.

Paceman James Anderson is the only omission from the squad selected for the two previous encounters of the series.

Anderson received treatment during the course of the second Test for a minor quad problem and it has been decided missing the final clash will give the 29-year-old an opportunity to overcome several minor injuries.

England won the second Test by nine wickets at Trent Bridge to move into an unassailable lead, having emerged victorious in the first game at Lord’s by five wickets. Preparations for the series finale will begin at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

National Selector Geoff Miller said: “We have been made to work hard for our two victories so far and are delighted to have secured the series, but 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 Investec 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 James himself.”

England squad for the third Investec Test:

Andrew Strauss (Middlesex, captain)
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, wicketkeeper)
Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire)
Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire)

ecb.co.uk