Sussex's James Kirtley is favourite to get the call-up for England's forthcoming Test tour to Bangladesh following the withdrawal of Lancashire seamer James Anderson.

Anderson dropped out yesterday with knee trouble and Kirtley, who claimed 13 wickets in his two Test appearances against South Africa this summer only to miss the end of the season with shin splints, is in the frame to take his place.

England's selectors will decide over the next few days which type of bowler should be sent to Bangladesh.

Kirtley was surprisingly overlooked for the original Test squad and was only included in the one-day party.

However, he is not the only candidate.

Richard Johnson of Somerset, similarly impressive in his only Test last summer when he claimed six wickets on his debut against Zimbabwe at Chester-le-Street, will also come into consideration even though his summer was also plagued by knee injuries.

Worcestershire's Kabir Ali could also come into contention after a successful season at county level despite failing to impress in his only Test at Headingley this summer, while Surrey's Martin Bicknell will be discussed after a successful return in the final two Tests, although at 34 his call-up may be regarded as a backward step.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney said: "We're looking at all candidates before we make our decision.

"Losing James for the Bangladesh Tests is a blow but he's a young bowler who has borne a heavy workload this summer and having consulted the medical team we feel that this decision is in his best long-term interests."

Meanwhile, England are being urged to cancel next year's tour of Zimbabwe.

Former ECB chief Lord MacLaurin is now chairman of England's sponsors Vodafone and he believes the tour would provide bad publicity both for his company and Michael Vaughan's side.