Ace fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad could be rested from the Sri Lanka tour instead of the latter half of the ongoing five-match Test series against India.
Before the start of India series, Broad had stated that it might not be possible for him and Anderson to play all five Tests because of heavy workload, giving rise to speculations of the duo giving the last two India Test matches a miss.
"It will depend on tosses, pitches, workloads. If (there are) two Tests of 250 overs in the field each, it's unrealistic to think your seam bowlers will play five Tests in six weeks. But if you have a Test, where you bowl them out in 80 or 60 overs, that changes your thinking," Broad had said.
However, the England and Wales Cricketer Board want their experienced fast bowlers to play the India series.
ECB has decided to rest Broad and Anderson from the following Sri Lanka series set to begin from November 6, reported ESPNCricinfo.
There is no official comment yet from the board but the England selection committee is considering the prospect of resting Broad and Anderson to manage their workload.
The duo is no longer part of the one-day set-up but continues to be pivotal in the longest format of the game. Keeping the 2019 Ashes in mind, England would not want to risk their two lethal weapons in unresponsive conditions in Sri Lanka.
England will play three Tests in Sri Lanka with the first one being played at Galle, followed by two Tests in Pallekele and Colombo.
If Broad and Anderson are indeed rested then the seam attack will be led by Chris Waokes and Sam Curran. Young fast bowler Jamie Porter, who earned his maiden Test call-up in the India series is certain to make his debut.
Keeping the condition in Sri Lanka in mind, England would want to take at least three spinners with them. Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Dom Bess are the frontrunners to grab the spot.