FINAL PIEC THE JIGSAW
Broad needs to be wizard in
STUART BROAD has enjoyed a magnificent England career but former Ashes winner Gladstone Small believes there is one thing missing from his CV.
for me and I feel if we are to do well he has to come to the party,” Small (below) told the
“There’s no doubt that he’s a class act and has been one of England’s best for many years but so often we are judged by how we do against Australia and especially in Australia.
“He’s not had the best of times over there previously, having to go home when we won a few years back.
“Through history we always hear about those regarded in the higher echelons are guys who have excelled in Australia so he has that challenge ahead of him.
“The pitches over there are likely to be hard and true and Broady is someone who will enjoy bowling there.
“He has certainly got it in him to make a big difference in this series.
“He seems to have had some trouble with his wrist position but one thing he has been good at is bowling to left-handers so that will be important.
“Their opener David Warner is a left-hander so if he can knock him over we can really get amongst their batting.” Former Warwickshire star Small, 56, arrives in Australia today and will be working as a tour host for a holiday company for all five Tests.
It is a country he has fond memories of having been a part of Mike Gatting’s victorious tour Down Under in 1986-87 when England retained the urn.
In this series, cult hero Small feels overall that they are two well-matched teams.
While he gives the Aussies the edge in the bowling department because of their extra pace, he has identified the weaknesses in the hosts’ batting as a way Englan ahead in the series.
He added: “Although Aust have to start as favourites du advantage, I see this as bein 3-2 in the making because the even on paper.
“The team that takes advantage of those key mom get ahead will win this series hope it’s England.
“One thing I would say i favour, if I was an England b on this trip, I wouldn’t be any sleep over bowling at batsmen.
“Both Steve Smith and W are world-class batsmen b would be queueing up to bow the others and trying to amongst the wickets.
“Broady, Jimmy Anderson a Chris Woakes, who has enou pace to surprise a few on thos pitches, should really fancy their chances in the conditions in Australia.” BROA ABROA Stuart Br can cap career wi great ser