Joe Root Reckons That Writing Off Stuart Broad and James Anderson Will Be 'Stupid'

Joe Root, England Test captain, has warned the detractors to write-off the duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad at their own peril but also hinted that the days of the duo bowling in tandem for the national side might well be over.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad are the leading wicket-takers for England in the history of Test cricket. But in his series, England have opted to rotate the duo, giving birth to speculations as to whether the days of them playing together for England are behind us.

While Stuart Broad was dropped from the side in the 1st Test, James Anderson has been rested for the ongoing Test at Old Trafford.

“With Stuart and Jimmy, trying to maximize their careers is really important to make sure they are playing for as long as possible,” Joe Root told PTI.

“If that has to be slightly different to how it has been over the last few years, then we might have to think outside the box and not play them in every game or not play them together all the time,” Root said.

Also Read: Graeme Swann Strongly Suggests England To Play James Anderson And Stuart Broad Together

‘We are very, very lucky to have them’ Joe Root on James Anderson and Stuart Broad

Joe Root said that while England is lucky to have the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, and while the team management will have to ensure that they maximize the careers of the duo, they will also have to look at giving other players the opportunity.

“That is not to say it won’t happen again. They are two world-class performers and we are very, very lucky to have them.” Root said.

“I think to wish that away early or to push them to one side would be stupid, I really do. [But] I think we’ve got to deal with it well and be smart with it and we will find opportunities to play other guys, too,” Root added.

Anderson and Broad have played 116 Tests together for England in which they have claimed a total of 883 wickets.

Also Read: I Would Have Picked Stuart Broad And James Anderson On The Team-Sheet Straight Away: Ryan Sidebottom