‘SPARE PART’ JIMMY MOVES OVER FOR STU

JAMES ANDERSON will be rested this week and admits feeling a “bit of a spare part” in taking just one wicket in two Tests.

The excellence of England’s spinners on helpful pitches, the Kookaburra rather than Dukes ball and a lack of reverse swing combined to deaden the impact of his pace bowling.

Yet the veteran of 145 Tests still played his part in the series win by helping Ben Foakes to his hundred in Galle and then putting on 101 runs for the 10th wicket across both innings in Pallekele.

He will make way for Stuart Broad for the third Test on a pitch likely to be just as unhelpful for an English seamer.

“It’s been a frustrating trip for me because you want to contribute to the wins,” said Anderson. “I feel I’ve tried my best but it’s not really been a series for the seamers.

“I feel a bit of a spare part but think that’s just the nature of playing cricket here. As frustrating as it’s been for me personally it’s been brilliant to be part of such a great series for the team.

“You don’t want to miss a Test, I never like it, but I understand the reasoning.”