Anderson unable to bowl again in Sri Lanka opener

England's James Anderson will be unable to bowl again in the remainder of the first Test against Sri Lanka, a team spokesman said today.

England's James Anderson will be unable to bowl again in the remainder of the first Test against Sri Lanka, a team spokesman said on Saturday.

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And the 28-year-old Lancashire seamer is also now doubtful for the second of this three-Test series starting at Lord's this coming on Saturday.

Ashes hero Anderson twice left the field on the second day's play here on Friday and bowled just one over in the final session.

Although he was fit to bat -- Anderson emerged as a nightwatchman following the loss of England captain Andrew Strauss late on Friday -- a post-play scan revealed a left side strain.

Anderson was the pick of England's pace attack in Sri Lanka's first innings 400, taking three for 66.

He was not required to bat before lunch on Saturday as rain washed out the whole of the third day's morning session.

"Scans have shown James Anderson has a grade one side strain and will not bowl for the rest of the first Test," an England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman said. "He will bat as it poses minimal risk of further damage.

"His involvement in the second Test will be determined following assessment after the first Test."

England have long persisted with a policy of only playing four specialist bowlers in Test matches, which proved successful during a 3-1 Ashes series win in Australia completed in January.