Jennings’ output has dropped off considerably following a century on Test debut – he has just 486 runs from 12 Tests – while the retirement of fellow opener Alastair Cook means England are facing a major headache at the top of the order.

The former England captain believes Broad, who has 20 scalps from 10 Tests in the subcontinent at an average of 48, has not proven his worth on recent away tours, especially in Asia.

“I would have dropped him last winter,” Pietersen opined. “He doesn’t perform that well away from home. He had one good Ashes series and what he delivered for England in the big Ashes series last year was hopeless. I’ve been on tours of the sub-continent, he doesn’t like touring the sub-continent so it wouldn’t surprise me and it would be a very good move if they dropped him.”

England will begin their tour of Sri Lanka in October before a full series against West Indies in January ahead of the 2019 World Cup.