englandv sri lanka, finn, anderson, broad, tremlett
Andrew Strauss, the England captain, celebrates with his teammates after a dismissal -File Photo

SOUTHAMPTON: England face a tricky selection dilemma ahead of Thursday's third and final test against Sri Lanka at the Rose Bowl.

Paceman James Anderson has recovered from a side strain and will come back to lead the attack after missing the second-test draw at Lord's, meaning Steven Finn, Stuart Broad or Chris Tremlett must stand down.

“I've felt fine for a couple of weeks now. I felt fine before the Lord's test,” Anderson told reporters.

“It would have been a risk to play in that game and I've had plenty of time to recover, get stronger, do a lot of bowling, so I'm feeling pretty comfortable.”

The likelihood is that the 22-year-old Finn will make way as he was the fast bowler who originally came in for Anderson.

Broad has taken just 13 wickets in six tests but his all-rounder status should help his cause.

Surrey quickie Tremlett is hoping to return to the venue where he used to play with Hampshire.

England, who are 1-0 up against Sri Lanka, are looking to claim a fifth straight series win.

Captain Andrew Strauss's team last failed to win a test series when they drew 1-1 in South Africa in 2009-10.

England have since beaten Bangladesh twice, Pakistan and Australia. Their last test series defeat was a 1-0 reverse in West Indies in early 2009.

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