Anderson expects winter workload to be managed

James Anderson has admitted he may need to sit out some Tests this winter if he is to cope with England's demanding schedule.

England are to play seven Tests in two months in Bangladesh and India. While Anderson, England's record Test wicket-taker, insists he would like to be involved in every one, he accepts that, aged 34 and with many miles on the clock, he may to miss the occasional game to ensure he retains his effectiveness.

Anderson was a key performer when England last played a Test series in India. While he claimed a modest-looking 12 wickets in the four Tests, MS Dhoni rated him the difference between the sides as England came from behind to win 2-1. No other seamer claimed more than four wickets.

But Anderson has warned that, with so many Tests in such a short period, he will have to be "a bit sensible" in terms of managing his workload. He has endured a few absences due to injury in recent times, missing almost half of the 2015 Ashes due to a side strain, the start of the South Africa series with a calf injury and part of the Pakistan series with a shoulder injury. The signs that his heavy workload - among seamers, only Courtney Walsh, Glenn McGrath and Kapil Dev have bowled more deliveries in Test cricket - are beginning to tell.

"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,'' Anderson told Press Association Sport.

"But there may well come a time when it will get managed. At 34 I probably have to manage myself, or 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.

"We're in constant discussion with the captain, coach and medical staff about the best scenario. We've got good backroom staff who are very switched on and it will be managed well.

"You take it game by game. You can't say now 'I'll miss the second Test of five', because you might bowl 15 overs in the first game. So you be a bit sensible and there will probably come a point where we try to look and maybe I've got to sit out."

Anderson carried a heavy burden with the seam bowling in 2012 - Stuart Broad did not take a wicket in the series and was dropped after two Tests - but he expects greater assistance this time. The England team may well contain two seam-bowling allrounders - Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes - while Moeen Ali's ability to bat in the top six provides the opportunity to play an extra bowler if required.

But while Anderson welcomes the assistance, he still expects to have an important role to play in India and Bangladesh.

"We're fortunate now, with Stokesy and Mo, it looks after the seamers,'' he said. "That's a real bonus for us because it has been difficult in India when we've had just two seamers and two spinners.

"But there's a danger to go over there and expect spinners to take the wickets. There are still opportunities as a seamer, the ball swings out there and reverse swings later in the innings. You have to look at the positives and think how you can make an impact."