Body soreness has ruled England seamer James Anderson out of the fifth and final Test against India starting on Friday in Chennai.
Skipper Alastair Cook revealed England would rest their record wicket-taker with the series already lost.
"Unfortunately, Jimmy is ruled out - he's picked up body soreness from the last game," Cook said at a media conference.
"So he's not going to be risked."
Anderson's absence could be tempered by the return of his long-time new-ball partner Stuart Broad.
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Broad missed the past two Tests with a tendon strain in his right foot, but would look to prove his fitness on Thursday during England's final training session in Chennai.
"We'll make a decision on Broady after this training session," Cook said.
