Stuart Broad Snub From First Test Against West Indies 'Surprises' Darren Gough

Veteran England fast bowler Stuart Broad lost his place to Mark Wood in the Southampton Test which is currently underway. Broad with James Anderson have been the flag-bearers of England fast bowling unit but the ongoing Test saw him lose his place to Wood, who has been touted as one of the replacement for the veterans in future.

The new ball specialist Broad had resumed individual training early for the Test series against the West Indies. Now that he has missed out in Southampton Test, it is the first home Test in a span of eight years that Broad has not played. However, former England fast bowler Darren Gough is not happy with the snub.

Gough is of the opinion that Broad has been spearheading the England fast bowling unit even when Anderson was injured. To exclude him is a decision that left him surprised. Gough said that both Anderson and Broad should have played in the first Test with one among Wood or Jofra Archer as the third option.

“[I’m] really surprised,” Gough said on The Cricket Debate on SkySports.

“Because when you talk about sticking with players, I thought with the Broad situation, he has stood up and been counted for England over the past few years, when Jimmy (Anderson) has been limping out of games with injury.

“I would’ve played both Broad and Anderson in this game – I think they deserved that respect – and then I would’ve gone for one of Wood or Archer,” he added. 

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.