Both have enjoyed incredible careers for England, but with Anderson 35 years of age and Broad 31, the time is right to look to a future without the country’s two highest wicket-takers.

The first indication of this has come after England’s comprehensive Ashes defeat in Australia, with Broad no longer taking the new ball alongside Anderson in the warm-up matches in New Zealand.

This was followed earlier today in the second tour match, where Chris Woakes was this time handed the duties alongside Anderson, as Wood sat out the innings, with Broad coming on first-change and looking in good form as the Tests approach.

There is no suggestion yet that Broad or Anderson are looking at ending their Test careers in the near future, but Root is determined to plan ahead.