England seamer James Anderson has been ruled out of the final Test against India due to "body soreness".

Skipper Alastair Cook revealed that England would rest their record wicket-taker with the series already lost.

"Unfortunately Jimmy is ruled out - he's picked up body soreness from the last game," Cook said at a press conference.

"So he's not going to be risked."

Anderson's absence could be tempered by the return of his long-time new-ball partner Stuart Broad.

Broad missed the past two Tests with a tendon strain in his right foot, but will look to prove his fitness during England's final training session in Chennai on Thursday.

"We'll make a decision on Broady after this training session," Cook added.

Cook further explained England's decision to leave 34-year-old Anderson out of the reckoning, at the end of a year in which he has missed four previous Tests because of a stress fracture in his bowling shoulder.

This time, the issue is not specifically the same - with ankle and general soreness in the equation.

"When he's been in this situation and we've played him, he has picked up niggles," said Cook.

"So this doesn't seem the right time to play him.

"He's just sore from the game, and it's just not worth the risk with him - especially over the past six months or so."

Broad faces a late fitness Test after missing the last two Tests (AP)

The veteran seamer, no longer involved in England's white-ball campaigns which are set to dominate until July next year, will have a six-and-a-half-month break before his next scheduled Test.

Cook added: "We don't see, as a management group, that it's worth taking that risk.

"'Could he get through? Yes, he possibly could' - but recently, when we've played him (in similar circumstances) he's picked up an injury from it.

"So it doesn't seem worth it in this game."

Cook also confirmed left-arm spinner Liam Dawson comes "into contention" to become England's fifth debutant in their seven Tests this winter, as they seek a consolation victory in a series lost in the innings defeat in Mumbai where they went 3-0 down with one to play.

Cook is looking to end a disappointing Test series on a high (Philip Brown)

That, however, will depend on the balance of the attack chosen at a venue which was hit by Cyclone Vardah three days ago but was under full cover throughout and is expected to favour spin.

Groundstaff went to great lengths to ensure a dry surface, including using hot coals in barbecue pans on stump rollers inches above the pitch on Wednesday.

Both teams will have to play without the benefit of batting or bowling practice, restricted to fielding and fitness drills because the nets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium have not recovered from Monday's storm.