How England Can Cover for the Loss of James Anderson in Sri Lanka

England’s task of seven one-day internationals in Sri Lanka got even harder last week, as leading seam bowler James Anderson was withdrawn with a knee injury.

Anderson’s withdrawal from the squad was a precautionary measure to keep him fresh for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015, but it comes at a price for his team.

Already without another quality seamer in Stuart Broad, England have now been deprived of their most consistent performer with the new ball and their most experienced campaigner.

News that he will not be replaced in the squad means the onus is now on the five seam bowlers that remain, especially Steven Finn, who surely becomes their de facto leader.

He is joined by Chris Jordan and Harry Gurney as England’s three remaining front-line seamers, with Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes providing options as all-rounders.

Meanwhile, spin will be provided primarily by James Tredwell, with Moeen Ali and Joe Root in support with their part-time offerings.

In spite of what may look like slim pickings for the tourists, there are still a number of ways they can mitigate the absence of their star man as they travel around Sri Lanka.

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Steven Finn Must Embrace Senior Role

With Anderson and Broad unavailable, the role of senior paceman looks certain to fall to Steven Finn, a man who has been through a great deal in recent years.

The 25-year-old’s game was shot to pieces after a traumatic tour of Australia last winter, but he has since recovered sufficiently to be reintroduced into international cricket.

At the back end of the international summer, his pace was showing improvement with every ball he bowled, while he caused India’s batsmen some real headaches.

Now, as England make the trip east to face Sri Lanka, he will be relied upon as the front-line bowler with the most international experience, and one who others will look to for leadership.

If he is able to step into this enhanced role—just months after returning to the fold—England could well form a pace leader of the future and not be so damaged by Anderson’s absence.

Chris Jordan Must Deliver on His Early Promise

One of the most exciting players to debut for England in recent years is Chris Jordan, a pace bowler who has the ability to cause any batsman problems.

In his first year of Test cricket, however, he struggled at times with his accuracy and has a bowling average over 30 after five games.

That form was similarly replicated in the ODI and Twenty20 International arenas, but there were flashes of his brilliance last summer, especially against India in the longest form.

He demonstrated that when the selectors show him faith, he will reward them with strong performances, and he must continue that in Sri Lanka.

If Jordan can continue making progress in his game and improve his standards with every game, he will go a long way toward filling the void left by Anderson and Broad.

If he does not, England may struggle all the more.

Spinners Need to Play a Big Role

One area where England are severely lacking in resources is the spin bowling department, which is worrying given that Sri Lankan wickets are often very conducive to spin.

James Tredwell is travelling as England’s only recognised front-line spinner, a role he has taken on increasingly since the retirement of Graeme Swann.

In support come the part-timers Joe Root and Moeen Ali, with Ravi Bopara likely to play a role with his medium pace bowling and uses of variation.

On the slow, low pitches in Sri Lanka, Tredwell and his spin colleagues need to bring control to proceedings by drying up the runs and taking wickets at vital times.

Sri Lankan batsmen are masters of playing spin, and if England are to be successful they will need their spinners to try to minimise the damage.

Anderson would normally look to bring control with his seam bowling, and if the spinners can at least take on some of the responsibility, England should be in good shape.

If not, there could be some long innings—and an arduous tour—for the visiting fielders and bowlers.