Cricket World Cup: England ponder James Anderson role

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Group B: England v West Indies Venue: Chennai Date: Thursday, 17 March (0900 GMT) Tournament dates: 19 February-2 April Venues: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Coverage: Highlights on BBC Two (see listings), Red Button & online at 2200 GMT (UK only); live Test Match Special commentary (BBC 5 live sports extra, Radio 4 LW and online); text commentary online and mobiles; live on Sky Sports Anderson trained with his team-mates in Chennai on Wednesday England must decide whether to stick with out-of-form fast bowler James Anderson for their crucial World Cup game against West Indies on Thursday. Chris Tremlett could replace Anderson in a match England need to win to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. "Jimmy's a quality performer, but we're not going to say which way we are going to go," said captain Andrew Strauss. Strauss and Graeme Swann have recovered from illness, but paceman Ajmal Shahzad is the latest to be hit by a bug. Former England captain Michael Vaughan says if it is a straight choice between Anderson and Tremlett, he would opt for the tall Surrey bowler. "England would have been looking closely at Jimmy's performances during the World Cup because he hasn't been on his game," Vaughan told BBC Radio 5 live. The juices are flowing, there are a few butterflies in the stomach and I think that's a great sign for us Andrew Strauss "The only thing in Jimmy's favour is that he bowled well in Chennai against South Africa, and that will be in the minds of [coach] Andy Flower and Strauss. "Tremlett is on the sidelines, he is someone who hasn't bowled recently so he's fresh and ready to get out there and I would expect them to make that change because Jimmy has been struggling." If Shahzad is unable to play that could give Anderson a reprieve, with Tremlett replacing the Yorkshire bowler instead and joining Anderson and Tim Bresnan in a three-man pace attack. Strauss said England would wait until Thursday morning before deciding on their final XI, with the game due to get under way in Chennai at 0900 GMT. "Shahzad has been struck by illness so he probably will not practise on Wednesday," said Strauss. "We're not sure at this stage whether that is going to affect his chances of being selected. "I was laid low on Monday night and Tuesday morning but I'm feeling very well now. Swann is recovering well and should be practising too. "I don't know if he is quite as buoyant as I am, but we're still very confident he'll be fine for Thursday." England need to beat West Indies to stand any chance of reaching the last eight, though even victory might not be enough to book a place in the quarter-finals. Strauss believes England are ready to produce their best cricket when it really matters, now they are faced with the possibility of early elimination from the tournament. England have been on the road for a long time. That's something that will be on their minds West Indies captain Darren Sammy "The juices are flowing, there are a few butterflies in the stomach and I think that's a great sign for us," he said. "We have played well in the big matches over the past couple of years and the equation is very simple. This is the time to go out and take on the West Indies. "Mindset-wise that really helps you. So I'm genuinely excited about it. I think we can go out there and play some really good cricket on Thursday and hopefully book our passage to the next level." West Indies captain Darren Sammy said his side have been boosted by the return to fitness of opening batsman Chris Gayle, who missedlast week's win over Ireland because of an abdominal strain, and he believes it is a good time to play England. "The physio has said he is OK and having Chris back will be a massive boost for us," said Sammy. "He is a key member of the team. "Obviously England have been on the road for a long time [having been in Australia for the Ashes and a one-day series prior to the World Cup]. Apparently they have been home for four days in five months. "That's something that will be on their minds. In order for them to stay, they've got to win... or maybe some of them will want to go home to their families. You never know. "Our coach Ottis Gibson was working with England only a year ago, so he has inside details and will be quite helpful. We'll be looking to exploit their weaknesses."

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