James Anderson has admitted that he is worried by England's bowling dilemma ahead of the first Test with Sri Lanka.

Andrew Strauss's side suffered a blow this week after it was confirmed that Ravi Bopara was unlikely to be able to bowl in the series opener due to injury.

The Essex all-rounder was expected to contribute to England's bowling in very hot conditions.

Anderson said: "It is going to be a difficult decision obviously, with Ravi not being able to bowl.

"It's always difficult going in with just two seamers and two spinners and not having that fifth bowling option.

"Obviously Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen can bowl a few overs but the decision the selectors have to make is whether they want that fifth bowler to be someone who is more capable with the ball."

Stuart Broad is also struggling with an ankle injury.