England's bid to regain the Ashes was dented by the news James Anderson will be absent for the final two Tests of the series because of another injury to his troublesome right calf.
Anderson reported feeling pain in the area on Thursday while representing Lancashire's second string at Chester Boughton Hall as he sought to prove his fitness for next week's fourth Test on his home ground of Old Trafford.
The issue has plagued England's record Test wicket-taker since the beginning of last month, when a torn muscle on County Championship duty with Lancashire placed him in doubt for the Specsavers series opener against Australia.
His tendency to go hard at the moving ball has been criticised and although he has been retained, which meant Surrey team-mate Ollie Pope missed out on selection, PA understands England are considering switching the roles of Roy and Denly.
Kent batsman Denly made a favourable impression during England's record fourth-innings pursuit of 359 last time out with a battling 50 from 155 balls, helping to lead a recovery from 15 for two and adding credence to claims he is a more suitable partner for Rory Burns at the top of the order.
England head to the north-west emboldened by their win in Leeds, achieved thanks largely to Ben Stokes' majestic 135 not out, but Australia need only prevail in one of the final two Tests to guarantee their retention of the urn.
