It shouldn’t happen to a vet
‘Old guys’ Broad and Anderson will have workload monitored
STUART BROAD will not throw his toys out of the pram if he is forced to sit out a Test in the upcoming series against India.
England kick off a brainless schedule of five Tests in six weeks at Edgbaston on Wednesday and that will take a lot out of the big fast bowlers.
Broad, 32, and opening partner Jimmy Anderson have hit veteran status with Anderson blowing 36 candles out on his birthday cake today.
The pair have racked up 256 Tests and 957 Test wickets between them and the next few weeks will be another test – of their legs.
But Broad, a virtual fixture since 2007, says he will take it on the chin if he is tapped on the shoulder and told to put his feet up for one of the games.
He said: “We will have to play that by ear, it will depend on tosses, pitches and workloads.
“If we have two Tests of 250 overs in the field each, it’s unrealistic to think your seam bowlers will play five Tests in six weeks, but if you have a Test where you bowl them out in 80 or 60 overs that changes your thinking.
“There have already been small conversations saying don’t be disheartened if you are left out for a Test match, it’s not a personal attack or dropping – it’s a management of your bowlers.
“I won’t get to the stage where I am left out at, say Lord’s, I’d go back and play county cricket. You stay around, keeping talking and stay part of the unit.
“It’s only natural to expect small changes throughout five Test matches, but the bowlers have to be able to take it.”
Broad and Anderson – plus another golden oldie in opening batsman Alastair Cook (below) – did not play in the one-dayers against Australia and India and the quick bowling duo have played just one first-class game each in the last month. Broad had ankle issues and Anderson was rehabbing a shoulder injury, but Broad reckons the trio can give Joe Root’s side a boost ahead of their clash with the world’s No.1 Test team in England’s 1,000th Test. He added: “We haven’t had a huge amount of overs towards the end of June then July so we’re going into a five Test series in just over six weeks really fresh.
“As a professional in this country you could be going into August a little tired, but the likes of Cooky, myself and Jimmy should bring a lot of energy to guys who have been playing all summer.
“We get a break in series normally, but the fixtures have fallen such that it’s going to be a physical challenge for the bowlers.”
STUART BROAD was speaking at the launch of Specsavers as Official Test Partner for England ahead of the Specsavers Test Series which begins with their 1,000th Test, at Edgbaston, starting on Wednesday