Anderson fitness concern for England

James Anderson’s participation in England’s fourth Test against India was shrouded in uncertainty after the bowler sat out part of practice at the Oval here yesterday. Anderson, who is nursing a thigh injury, elected not to take part as England’s bowlers were put through their paces in the nets ahead of Thursday’s final Test, where England are gunning for a 4-0 whitewash. Graham Onions has already been called into the squad to provide cover for the injured Chris Tremlett. England off-spinner Graeme Swann admitted it would be a “huge loss” if Anderson was ruled out but was hopeful he would recover. “I honestly didn’t know he was injured until this morning when he told me everyone was saying he’s not going to play,” Swann said. “Jimmy seemed fine to me - I’m sure it’s just a bit of stiffness. “I know how well he’s bowling at the minute - and when he’s doing well he’s hungry for the ball and just wants to keep going.” Swann however is adamant that any replacement would be able to slot into the England side swiftly. “(Anderson) would be a huge loss, like any of the seamers,” Swann said. “But we thought that with (Chris) Tremlett when he couldn’t play at Trent Bridge, and up stepped Bressie (Tim Bresnan - and he’s been unbelievable in the two games he’s played. “We have got vast stocks of fast bowlers at the minute.”

Swann tells England - don’t let ranking go to heads London: England spinner Graeme Swann says his teammates must not allow their impending ascension to the top spot in the world rankings to go to their heads as they seek to complete a 4-0 Test whitewash of India at The Oval this week. England will be confirmed as the best Test side in the world after the series but Swann believes the team must ensure they complete the job and see off the demoralised tourists. He said: “It’s a nice feeling (to take over the top ranking) - but it’s not what we are focusing on. “We said before the series it didn’t matter if we got to number one in the world. “It’s about finishing the series well and that is what we are aiming to do at The Oval “We want to do ourselves justice in the last game - we did that very well in the Ashes. Having retained them we gave our best performance of the series in Sydney in the last game and we are looking to emulate that here. “It’s the last Test match for a while and it’s a good chance for us to sign off on a winning note. “We have played some exceptional cricket in the last 18-24 months and it would be a shame if we ruined it all by cruising through this game so let’s make it a really good five days and see what happens. “It wouldn’t be much of a team if we just fell to pieces and threw it all away.” Swann said England must not underestimate India in the final Test and stick to the game plan which has seen them land the series. “The best thing we have done all series is keep India below 300 each time we have bowled and we need to try and keep that up. “The Oval is a good batting pitch but if we can maintain the standards we have so far achieved then hopefully we can do that again.”