England coach has hinted that the hosts could rest James Anderson for the Oval Test, starting from September 2, to manage his workload.
The five-match series between England and India is well poised, with the scoreline levelled at 1-1. With not much turnaround between the last three Tests, both the teams could be forced to rotate their pacers.
The last three Tests were scheduled for three back to back weeks, which increases the risk of pace bowlers breaking down. The Indian skipper has already stated that they’re likely to rotate their pacers for the last two Tests. England, who have a rest and rotation policy since last year, could also rest their attack leader.
“What I don’t want to do is break them. We’ve got a lot of cricket in front of us. The Tests are coming thick and fast now. Back-to-back, it is difficult,”
Silverwood said, speaking to the media.
England have 11 Test matches since the start of 2021, and they have seven more lined up, including Ashes. Anderson has already played nine matches this year and has sent down more deliveries than any other pacer in the world.
Even in this series, he has bowled 116.3 overs – only two balls less than Ollie Robinson. At the age of 39, such a workload could cause him issues.
“These guys are giving everything, every day when we are out on the field and we have got to make sure we are looking after them. But I won’t be making any decisions or judgments right now,”
he added.
England have already been battling with countless injury issues with Jofra Archer, Olly Stone, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes all being injured at some point. And in such a situation, they would want to be extra careful with Anderson, even though the pacer had aimed to play all five matches against India.
If Anderson does require to rest for one of the last two games, the management would rather have him miss the Oval Test than the fifth one at the Old Trafford, Manchester – Anderson’s home ground slash backyard.
