Veteran England fast bowler James Anderson may be rested for the second Test against India, starting on February 13 in Chennai.
The 38-year-old, who had produced a match-winning spell on Day 5 of the first Test match at the same venue, is likely to be replaced by another modern-day great Stuart Broad as England look to continue their rotation policy, hinted coach Chris Silverwood.
"I am not reluctant to change a winning team if it is the best thing to do for the players and the team and our longevity over a long period. Yes, he (Anderson) is a class act, but you'll have to wait and see," Silverwood told the media on Wednesday.
"Has it crossed my mind [to play Broad and Anderson together]? Yes, they are both class acts, but things are working at the moment and we have to look after our players... We have got many bowlers here that we could play at any given point. I feel very lucky that I have an abundance of talent," said Silverwood while hinting Anderson could be rested.
The English coach further defended Dom Bess, who claimed four wickets in the first innings but was expensive in the second.
"I'm not worried. I had a chat with him afterwards and he is still in good spirits. He can have a bad day every now and again. It is not through lack of effort. He's shown he can get us wickets so I am sure he'll be fine," he said.
Silverwood also spoke on all-rounder Moeen Ali's chances of playing the second Test.
"Everything is on the table. If we feel we need to do it we have the options available to rotate. [Ali has] worked as hard as he possibly can do. He's not played a game, we accept that, but those are the times that we're in at the moment. Should he play I'd have every confidence in him," said Silverwood.
Joe Root-led England registered their sixth successive Test win in Asia as the Three Lions defeated India by 227 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium to take 1-0 lead in the four-match Test series.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter/ICC
