James Anderson and Stuart Broad will play no more cricket this summer, placing in doubt their involvement in England’s tour of Bangladesh in the autumn.
England’s new ball pair are nursing injuries and have been withdrawn from county cricket for the remainder of the season.
According to the ECB, Anderson requires “ongoing rehabilitation” of the right shoulder problem that caused him to miss the Lord’s Test against Pakistan last month – even though the player believed he was fit to play.
Broad, meanwhile, damaged an ankle while playing for Nottinghamshire on Twenty20 Finals Day and also needs to recover.
The ECB say the duo – arguably England’s best opening bowling pair in their Test history – are being given time to prepare for Bangladesh.
England face three one-day internationals and two Tests in Bangladesh, and they leave at the end of next month. The First Test starts on October 20, meaning Anderson and Broad have nearly two months to be ready.
England's class of 2011 vs Cook's current crop
But with five Tests in India to follow the series in Bangladesh, the England coaches may decide to keep the pacemen back, especially as Anderson, in particular, will be a key man in India.
Both men say they are keen to regain their places in England’s one-day squad but they are unlikely to be chosen again.
