England v West Indies - Edgbaston

England coach Andy Flower has defended the decision to rest fast bowler James Anderson for the third test match with the West Indies, which is being played out at Edgbaston....

Anderson was said to be 'furious' at being told to rest, and he was supported recently by Sir Ian Botham, who agreed that bowlers shouldn't be left out for a period of time as it could backfire later in the summer.

However, Flower is unmoved, given England's workload over the next couple of years, which will feature back to back Ashes series, for the first ever time.

"The schedule over the next couple of years is incredibly heavy," the England boss told the BBC.

"I think the days of playing our players constantly in every form of the game until they either wear down or snap physically or mentally are over," he concluded.

England are 2-0 up in the series, with just this match to play, so have already won the opening bout of the summer, with a three test series with South Africa next up in July.

Mixed in with the six test matches this summer, are a ludicrous thirteen one day internationals, including a ridiculous five series ODI's with Australia!

If ever people wanted to understand Kevin Pietersen's decision to take a step back from one day cricket, then surely they just need look at the summer schedule.