Coach Chris Silverwood defends England’s rotation policy

Chris Silverwood on Tuesday defended England’s rotation policy even though it could cause the coach some selection headaches during the upcoming tour of India, AFP reported.

England, who face the prospect of playing at least 17 Tests in 2021, rested two star players in all-rounder Ben Stokes and fast bowler Jofra Archer from their recent 2-0 series win in Sri Lanka, AFP reported.

And they have already decided that batsman Jonny Bairstow and pacemen Mark Wood and Sam Curran will be given a break from the first two Tests against India in Chennai, AFP reported.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler will head home after the opening match of the four-Test series, despite being in good form with the bat and behind the stumps in Sri Lanka, AFP reported.

“I’m perfectly happy with the system we’re using at the moment. I stand by it,” England head coach Silverwood said.

Several observers have suggested the policy reflects England’s over-riding obsession with the Ashes — they travel Down Under in 2020/21.