England hopeful of Anderson recovery

COLOMBO, Nov 26 (Reuters) England are optimistic bowler James Anderson will be fit for the first test against Sri Lanka despite an ankle injury scare on the second day of their warm-up match in Colombo.

Anderson did not bowl in the second innings against a Sri Lanka Board President's XI and joined fellow paceman Steve Harmison on the treatment table.

But England chairman of selectors David Graveney said the decision not to bowl Anderson in the afternoon was precautionary and that he should be able to bowl tomorrow.

Harmison suffered a back spasm on Sunday and did not bowl today.

Matthew Hoggard claimed 5 for 25 to leave the President's XI reeling on 77 for 8 in their second innings.

England had earlier collapsed to 134 all out in their first innings, conceding a 164-run first-innings deficit.

Ravi Bopara top scored for England with 47.

The first test starts in Kandy on Saturday.

REUTERS SSC BD2058