London, June 6(ANI): England coach Andy Flower has claimed that in-form fast bowler James Anderson was rested because he feared that he would snap physically and mentally.
Flower insisted Anderson is wrong to think that missing the final Test against West Indies at Edgbaston could trim down his wicket tally.
Anderson, who believes he is in the form of his life, was livid over Flower's decision to rest him for the third Test.
"The days of playing our players until they either wear down significantly or snap physically or mentally are over. Our duty is to make decisions in the interests of the players and the team," The Sun quoted Flower, as saying.
"Would you enter your prize horse in every race? No, you would target the races you want to win. We've won the race already by leading 2-0 in the series against West Indies," he added.
"Does Wayne Rooney play every game for Man U? No, because he would break down. Brian O'Driscoll doesn't play every game for Leinster. There's a good reason," he said.
Flower said he could understand the reason behind Anderson's fury, but added that the decision would be beneficial for him in the future.
"I understand why Anderson is disappointed to be rested and I wouldn't expect him to feel any other way. But it's beneficial to him in the long run. I've heard people argue it would be nice for Jimmy to get his Test wicket tally up," Flower said.
He added" "But we don't select people to increase their tallies of wickets or runs. We make decisions in the best interests of English cricket. If we'd been 1-1 going into this Test, Jimmy would have played." (ANI)
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