Anderson axed for Stanford showdown

(GETTY IMAGES)

James Anderson has been left out of England's $20m showdown with the Stanford Superstars tomorrow to accommodate Graeme Swann as a second spinner.

It is the first time that Lancashire fast bowler Anderson has been left out of an England limited-overs side for over a year.

The 26-year-old was last omitted for a Twenty20 contest against Australia at the World Championship in September 2007.

Anderson's omission is the only change from the XI which wrapped up a comprehensive 4-0 victory over South Africa in the NatWest Series.

The effectiveness of the slow bowlers on the Coolidge surface earlier in the week persuaded England's management to draft in Swann, whose last one-day international was against New Zealand in June.

"It was never going to be the easiest decision, in fact it was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make in terms of carrying 11 players on the field," said captain Kevin Pietersen.

"But he has taken it brilliantly well, he has been absolutely fantastic at training.

"It has been very difficult for him, especially being an integral part of the team for the past 12 months.

"He has taken the field on every occasion but we realise that we play to win for England and unfortunately the circumstances have arisen in terms of the pitch, and the outfield, and the way games have gone. We have to play another spinner.

"We haven't played a second spinner for I don't know how long but unfortunately conditions have meant Jimmy has to miss out.

"It is not as though the lads have been left out and nothing is going to happen if we win, there is still a buzz about stuff and we all want to win."

Ryan Sidebottom, who has been kept out of net sessions in recent days with a stiff calf, Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara are the other three men who will be on the sidelines as England attempt to earn $1m a man.

If they are successful, the other squad members share $1m between them.