Ashes 2021-22: Stuart Broad Reveals His 'Awkward Moment' With Glenn McGrath Before Brisbane Test

England pace bowler Stuart Broad opened up on his awkward moment with legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath ahead of the Brisbane Test.

Broad is just one match shy of completing 150 Test matches in his illustrious career that has spanned more than 15 years.

However, Broad did not feature in England’s playing XI against Australia in the first Test, which the hosts won by nine wickets.

Stuart Broad describes his awkward moment with Glenn McGrath

Broad mentioned that before the game McGrath had congratulated him on playing in his 150th Test, only for the former Australian pacer to learn that the Nottinghamshire pacer was not part of England’s team.

Broad termed that moment as awkward and said he responded with an embarrassing smile.

“Despite the disappointment, I did see the funny side of things when seconds before the toss, Glenn McGrath approached me and shook my hand between high catches I was practising on the outfield. ‘Congratulations on 150, mate, it’s a special effort, have a great game,’ he said. I thanked him but had to tell him I wasn’t in. An awkward moment but one which raised an embarrassed smile and a chuckle,” Broad wrote in his column for Daily Mail.

I was disappointed not to play: Stuart Broad

Not only Broad but also his close friend and long-time teammate James Anderson was too benched in the first Test in Brisbane.

England bowlers clearly missed their experience on the field as the Australians outplayed them in the first innings and took a gigantic lead of 278. Broad said he could have given his best on the Gabba pitch but also accepted the fact that the rest was necessary as well.

“Of course, I was disappointed not to play but I also realise this series is a marathon and not a sprint. Never have five Test matches been as bunched up as this and it will be exhausting, so realistically I don’t think any seamer will play all five. It would be wrong in this scenario to kick up a stink. On the flip side, I love Ashes cricket, love bowling at the Gabba, and feel like I could’ve had a positive influence on a pitch like that,” he added.

The second Ashes Test between Australia and England will start on December 16 at the Adelaide Oval.

Also Read: Ashes 2021-22 Being Left Out Of The Team In The First Test Was Less Of A Surprise, Says Stuart Broad