England's James Anderson accepts need to slow down in order to keep pace with the history books

Anderson, who sits sixth in the all-time wickets table with 463 scalps, turned 34 in July and has been considered a long-form specialist by selectors for the past 18 months.

But even with that reduced workload England’s calendar is unforgiving and trips to Bangladesh and India will see them play seven Tests in just over eight weeks before Christmas.

Anderson has, in the past, bridled at suggestions that he should be part of a rotation programme and was reportedly frustrated not to be involved in this summer’s Lord’s Test against Pakistan after recovering from a shoulder injury.

With no hint of retirement on the horizon, he nevertheless appears readier to bow to the realities of the schedule.

“It’s a tough one because as a player if you’re fit you want to play, simple as that, no matter what the format you’re desperate to play,” he said.

“But there may well come a time when it will get managed. At 34 I probably have to manage myself, be managed, quite well. You want, if possible, to play every Test but India is going to be five back-to-back and that’s a huge ask for any bowler.

“There will probably come a point where we try to look and maybe I’ve got to sit out.”