James Anderson has insisted that the final bowling spot alongside Stuart Broad and himself is still there for the taking ahead of England's opening Ashes Test with Australia this week.

Despite bowling coach David Saker's suggestions at the weekend that the decision had already been made, Anderson feels that Chris Tremlett, Steve Finn and Boyd Rankin still have a chance to stake their claim to play in Brisbane.

"I think all of them, the bowling group as a whole, have got better as the tour has gone on," said Anderson told the press.

"I think there was some rustiness [in the first warm-up match] at Perth. Certainly, I felt that as well. But as the preparation has gone on, we've all started to find some rhythm.

"I think it could be quite a tricky decision for the selectors."

The Ashes gets underway on Thursday.