England, who are 2/1 with bookmaker to win at Headingley, could opt to field an all-seam attack in the second Test against South Africa, which starts on Thursday.
Coach Andy Flower has ruled out major changes after a crushing loss in the first Test, but pacemen Graham Onions and Steven Finn are standing by for a chance to shine.
However, if one or both of those are included, it seems likely that off-spinner Graeme Swann will miss out rather than England playing five batsmen, which would deny James Taylor of a Test debut.
“An all-seam attack is an option for us,” Flower admitted.
Of the prospect of adding an extra bowler and playing five batsmen, he added: “We haven’t done that for a long time. I think four bowlers has worked very well for us, so that’ll be unlikely.”
England, 1-0 down in the three-match series, need to avoid defeat to remain at the top of the Test rankings ahead of the Proteas.