England squad for first Test: Ben Stokes (capt), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler (wk), Zak Crawley, Joe Denly, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Stuart Broad To Miss First Test Against West Indies: Report
By Samrat Singh
Published - 06 Jul 2020, 06:15 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:31 AM
Seasoned England fast bowler Stuart Broad might miss the first Test against the West Indies due to tactical reason, according to a report in the Guardian. Broad with James Anderson have been the flag-bearers of England fast bowling unit but the board could opt to go with fast bowlers Mark Wood and Jofra Archer in Southampton.
The new ball specialist Broad has resumed individual training early for the Test series against the West Indies. If he misses out in Southampton then it will mean that Broad has missed out on the first home Test in a span of eight years. It is, however, likely as Broad and Anderson are towards the twilight zone of their career and England might try other options.
“Injuries have prevented Archer and Wood from taking the field together in the longest format since the former’s debut last summer. But both are now fully fit – Archer following the elbow stress fracture that ended his South Africa tour early – and part of the 13-man squad for the first Test against West Indies,” a report in the Guardian read.
Broad had reportedly spoke about the stiff competition in the England team at the moment. He had last missed a home series in 2012 against the West Indies when he was rested for a game. In case, he has been rested Anderson will take charge of the new ball.
Broad is nearing his 500 Test wickets tally with already 485 to his name at an average of 28.50. He has an economy rate of 2.95 and picked up 17 five-wicket haul and two 10-wicket to his name.
The remaining two Tests against the West Indies will be played at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
