Ashes 2021-22: We Have Been A Bit Surprised- Steve Smith On Stuart Broad Being Left Out From England Team

Australia’s Test vice-captain Steve Smith said he was surprised to see senior England pacer Stuart Broad miss a couple of Tests in Ashes 2021-22.

Broad, who played his 150th Test match in Adelaide, was benched for the first and third Tests in Brisbane and Melbourne respectively.

Smith has played against Broad in numerous games and the England pacer has got the better of him on eight occasions.

In fact, Broad was about to dismiss Smith for the ninth time in Adelaide had Jos Buttler pouched the ball behind the stumps when Smith nicked his first ball in the second innings.

Stuart Broad bowled well in Adelaide: Steve Smith

Smith acknowledged Broad’s ability to take wickets on Australian pitches and expressed his astonishment on him being left out in the England team.

“We have been a bit surprised. Two wickets that would have suited him pretty well. He bowled well in Adelaide,” Smith was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

“He’s always been a good contest for me. He’s got me out quite few times, I’ve scored some runs off him so it’s been a decent battle,” he added.

Smith is anticipating both Broad and James Anderson to play together in the upcoming Sydney Test.

“They’ve got quality bowlers. Him and Jimmy together are two world class performers, they have been for a long time. Maybe we’ll see them out here together this week, I’m not sure,” Smith asserted.

I missed out on two of the best wobble-seam pitches in Australia: Stuart Broad

Broad expressed his dismay for not helping his side compete in the Ashes, which England has already lost. The 35-year-old pacer said he had the skills to pick wickets in Brisbane and Melbourne.

“As a wobble-seam bowler, I feel as though I missed out on two of the best wobble-seam pitches in Australia. Only playing once has made this a very disappointing trip, one that has not met my personal expectations,” Broad wrote in the Daily Mail on Sunday.

“The biggest frustration is losing the Ashes, being 3-0 down and feeling like I’ve not really done anything. Not being able, as an experienced player, to influence a series while it’s live is tough.

“I would argue that I won’t get a better chance to take wickets than at Brisbane and Melbourne,” he added.

England will play against Australia in the fourth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting on January 5.

Also Read: I’m Not Going To Make Any Spur Of The Moment Calls On My Future – Stuart Broad After Disappointing Ashes 2021-22