JIMMY Anderson is Lancashire's sole representative in the England touring squad for Zimbabwe after Andrew Flintoff was rested.

The 22 years-old fast bowler, with 36 one-day international caps, takes his place in a 14-man squad for the Zimbabwe trip at the end of November and is retained for the one-day matches in South Africa early next year. Flintoff has also been included for the one-day internationals on the South African section of the tour.

It could be a good opportunity for Anderson to play some cricket, having not had a chance in any of the recent Natwest Challenge or Champions Trophy games. The England management will surely want to use the matches to look at some of the other players in the squad.

Some key members voiced concerns over the trip to Zimbabwe, notably Steve Harmison, who elected not to tour, and others have taken time to make up their minds, with some still uncertain.

But commenting on Anderson's selection, Lancashire coach Mike Watkinson said: "Whether it was a tour to Zimbabwe or Australia the situation would still be the same for him.

"He's done a lot of sitting around watching people play cricket, not just this summer, but last winter too. He will be itching to play cricket and hopefully this will open up the opportunity to put some games together."