Test plans hit by Anderson scare

England's problems multiplied on Monday after James Anderson was ruled out of bowling on the second day of the Test series warm-up clash with a Sri Lanka Cricket Board President's XI.

With fellow paceman Steve Harmison already withdrawn from the attack due to a back spasm, Anderson was not risked after suffering a left ankle problem.

Although he batted in England's dismal effort of 134 all out, the 25-year-old showed signs of discomfort in practice in between innings at the Nondescripts Cricket Club.

Talks between Anderson, doctor Mike Stone and physio Kirk Russell took place after just a couple of deliveries and coach Peter Moores was then called on to the field.

Despite the England management announcing his absence was a precautionary measure, it is another worrying development with the first Test against Sri Lanka just five days away.

Anderson has been struggling with back stiffness on the tour to date but the medical staff remain confident it is not related to previous back trouble - he missed the entire 2006 international home summer due to a stress fracture.

Having gone into this first-class encounter with a three-man pace attack, England were forced to throw the new ball to Ravi Bopara after conceding a 164-run deficit on first innings.