ENG vs PAK, 2018: Stuart Broad Hits Back at Michael Vaughan's Criticism

England star Stuart Broad, on Friday (June 1), responds Michael Vaughan following former England’s skipper’s harsh words for the new-ball partner of James Anderson.

The star pacer did not mince his words as he said Vaughan’s criticism was “shot in the dark” because “he doesn’t know what the changing room is like”.

Not impressed by Vaughan’s criticism at all, Broad went on to hint that his comments were made in order to raise the profile of Vaughan’s paper and broadcast commitments.

“I don’t think he’s got much insight into the England changing room,” Broad said after the first day’s play of the second Test against Pakistan.

Visibly infuriated Broad further added it is just a ‘wild’ thought.

“Don’t think the players talk to him about cricket or what’s going on in the changing room. I think it was a wild guess. It’s personal columns, it’s radio shows which need likes and airtime, isn’t it,” he added.

Following England’s nine-wicket defeat at the historic Lord’s, Vaughan, on his BBC radio show, had opined that England should consider dropping Broad or Anderson.

The ex-batsman felt that dropping a senior player to bring an inexperienced one would shake England up from a perceived coziness. He had gone on to echo the same sentiments in his column for The Telegraph.

A few months ago, Vaughan had called for Broad to be dropped. He did so during the recent Ashes series when the fast-bowler was struggling for form.

Broad, who had made his debut under Vaughan in 2007, further spoke on his relationship with the former skipper. He revealed he had called up Vaughan to express his disappointment before saying that he is not against criticism.

“I called him. I’m friends with Vaughany. He was a fantastic captain to me. He gave me a great opportunity and I like sharing a glass of wine with him. He’s a great company. I called him and expressed my disappointment and he had his opinions on the headlines. I’m very open to criticism and I’m not going to hold a personal grudge. Particularly if I feel like I deserve it but I didn’t feel like I deserved that last week,” Broad asserted.

“I thought I’d express that opinion to him because there’s no point it spinning around my mind annoying me. I might have reignited a few things this evening but I am sure he will be fine come Monday,” he added.

Lanky paceman Stuart Broad did not take any longer to prove Vaughan’s words wrong.

The pacer took three wickets while conceding 38 runs. He was the pick of England’s bowlers as they bundled Pakistan out for 174.

Anderson and Chris Woakes recalled in place of Mark Wood, also ended up with three wickets each. England finished the day on 106 for two at stumps on day one of the second Test.