England may leave out Broad for the first Test against Sri Lanka

The decision has less to do with Broad’s form even though England’s second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket does not boast of a healthy record in sub-continent and more to with the team combination based on the conditions on offer

England are considering the idea of dropping Stuart Broad for the first time in 6 six years when they take on Sri Lanka in the first of the two Tests starting from November 6 at Galle.

The decision has less to do with Broad’s form even though England’s second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket does not boast of a healthy record in sub-continent and more to with the conditions on offer. England in all probability will go in with three specialist spinners but a final decision about the team combination will be taken after seeing the wicket on offer in Galle.

With James Anderson confirmed to lead the attack with either Sam Curran and Chris Woakes, it could well come down to a choice between an extra spinner and Broad.

The last time Broad found himself out of the playing XI was back in 2012 against India in Kolkata, which England won comfortably.

England captain Joe Root though kept the cards close to his chest. "We still haven't finalised the team. Stuart could still definitely play a massive part within the three-match series and definitely he is an option in the first game,” he said.

Broad has claimed 41 wickets in 17 Tests in the sub-continent at an average of 36.92, a strike rate of 79.50 and conceding just 2.78 runs-per-over.

Root refused to believe that England have slowly started to phase Broad out of the Test side.

"I wouldn't say it's a changing of the guard and I wouldn't say he's in a weaker position than he has been previously. I think he's actually improving all the time and using his experience wisely. His action is as strong as it has ever been. If we find a different formula with him or without him, I don't think it weakens him as a player or shows where his game is going.

"Ultimately it will come down to the balance of the side. We've a bit of time now to work out what that will be and when we get to Galle we'll make a big call on that."

England will play two tour games before the start of the two-match Test series with the first one starting today at Colombo.