The fast bowler played only a limited part in New Year’s Day training after complaining of a sore elbow. Though he batted in the nets, he bowled only six deliveries, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo, and with England likely to leave out a fast bowler to make room for a spinner on a dry-looking surface, Archer may be the man to miss out.

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Though Archer has blown somewhat hot and cold of late, his absence would be a blow to the tourists, with the right-arm quick having taken his third Test five-for in the second innings at Centurion, and offering a different dimension to their attack with his extra pace.

Should he return to fitness, the England team management have indicated that they aren’t afraid to split up the legendary new-ball pairing of James Anderson and Stuart Broad in a bid to include a slow bowler while also not harming their batting depth.

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Somerset off-spinner Dom Bess has emerged as the favourite to come in if England do decide a spinner is required, despite not originally being picked in the squad, with Matt Parkinson having struggled in England’s warm-up games and Jack Leach having been ill for the past month, though he, as all of England’s squad did, took part in training. Bess’ capability with the bat also works in his favour, with the 22-year-old having a Test half-century and a first-class century to his name.