Anderson aims for Rose Bowl return

James Anderson is confident of being fit for the third Test against Sri Lanka, at the Rose Bowl, and is due to play for Lancashire in the Friends Life t20 next weekend in a bid to prove his fitness.

Anderson picked up a grade one side strain during the first innings in Cardiff and was ruled out of the Lord's encounter. Initial thoughts were that he would be unlikely for the rest of the Sri Lanka series, especially with England not wanting to risk a key bowler before India arrive, but Anderson is far more bullish about his situation.

"The good news is that I feel fine," Anderson told the Mail on Sunday. "I'm due to play a T20 match for Lancashire against Worcestershire on Sunday and if all goes well I will be fit for selection.

"But it's been a tough week because I can honestly say I haven't felt a moment of discomfort since the diagnosis was made so I do believe I probably could have bowled in their second innings," he added. "I fully understand the position of the medical staff; this is going to be a long summer and there was no point in taking a risk. But it may have been something that felt worse than it was because of the cold and windy weather."

Anderson looked in prime form in Cardiff as he took 3 for 66 before picking up his injury on the second afternoon although it didn't stop him being the nightwatchman. Then, in his absence, England's three-man attack completed a stunning victory on the final afternoon as Sri Lanka were skittled for 82.

"I had mixed emotions as events unfolded on the last day in Cardiff," Anderson said. "It was fantastic to see us doing so well, taking the wickets and winning but, at the same time, it was tough to watch them all celebrating and not be involved on the pitch."