Anderson may be rested for third Test

The hosts, 2-0 up in the three-match series, are due to name their squad on Sunday. Reports in the British press on Saturday indicated Anderson could be omitted for the ‘dead' match, with England facing another crowded home international programme.

Test cricket, despite the growing global appeal of Twenty20, has remained the priority for English administrators, fans and players alike. According to a report in The Guardian, Anderson, named England's player of the year last month, is fully fit following a minor thigh problem.

The 29-year-old has missed just one of England's previous 25 Tests and is keen to add to his tally of 267 wickets which places him fifth on his country's all-time list of most successful Test bowlers.