Root, selectors face big call on Broad
STUART Broad went 426 balls without a Test wicket this series before almost grabbing two in two balls.
The verdict: Broad is a gallant warrior but Father Time has well and truly caught him.
On a wonky knee that appeared to need attention from the England physio early yesterday, Broad isn’t the bowler who knocked Australia over for 60 at Trent Bridge 18 months ago.
Michael Vaughan and other former England greats called for his axing before this Test.
There was enough from Broad, 31, yesterday to suggest he still has fire in the belly, but one wicket in more than 70 overs this series (his last was in the first innings in Adelaide) doesn’t stack up well.
Vaughan urged England captain Joe Root to start demanding the team he wants and take ownership of a side that so far doesn’t appear to fully respect his authority.
The former England skipper said Root’s first big decision would be whether or not to call time on Broad’s career.
The fact Root reportedly got his preferred new quick Tom Curran picked for Boxing Day indicates he is beginning to take the advice on board.
Broad looks like he’ll see this series out, but Root and his selectors have a big decision for the Test tour of New Zealand in February.
Of England’s two veteran pacemen it’s James Anderson, not Broad, who looks more capable of making another Ashes campaign.
England simply can’t afford for both to retire together.
For a brief moment Broad did storm into the Test when he got one to move away from Usman Khawaja and claim the left-hander’s outside edge.
The next ball Broad went up for a huge and ultimately unsuccessful lbw shout against Shaun Marsh. That over Broad charged in at 140kmh plus, as fast as he’s bowled all series.
Had Marsh fallen, Broad could have delivered England one of his famed game-breaking spells. Instead the clock continued to run down on his Test career.