England are likely to announce an unchanged squad today as they attempt to preserve a six-year unbeaten run in home Test series by beating India in next week's third and final Test at The Oval.
But the days when one defeat would prompt mass changes to an England cricket team appear to be a thing of a past.
And with all-rounder Andrew Flintoff in the early stages of a comeback from ankle surgery and fast bowler Matthew Hoggard unlikely to be able to prove his fitness in time following back trouble, there are few outstanding alternatives to the 12-man squad picked for Trent Bridge.
PHOTO: AFP
Leicestershire fast bowler Stuart Broad could replace James Anderson.
The Oval tends to favour tall pacemen who can generate sharp bounce and Anderson is vulnerable after a return of one for 157 in 42 overs in helpful conditions.
Broad's inclusion would also strengthen England's lower order batting. At the second Test, England's last five wickets fell for 51 and 68 in the first and second innings respectively.
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