Stuart Broad is at risk of being omitted from an England Test tour for the first time since his debut 11 years ago. England are currently preparing their squad for the tour of Sri Lanka, which will be announced in two weeks, and are strongly considering leaving Broad out.

Broad remains in England’s plans going forward, and has enjoyed a good summer, taking 22 wickets at 26.00 apiece so far.

But his record in Asia is underwhelming and it is unclear how he would fit into England’s first-choice XI for the first Test in Galle, where pitches are certain to turn prodigiously.

Rather than select him as a squad player for Sri Lanka, England may consider that they are better served by giving Broad an extended rest ahead of the tour to the West Indies and next summer's Ashes series.

Conditions are likely to demand that three frontline spinners are selected for each game. England are likely to take four spinners - Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Jack Leach and Dom Bess, with the first three expected to play every Test.