England’s Broadside

STUART BROAD believes the creaking old guard of himself and Jimmy Anderson can give the side an energy rush in England’s 1000th Test.

They face India at Edgbaston, starting on Wednesday, with England’s leading wicket-taking partnership having played little domestic cricket since the Test series against Pakistan ended on June 1. Anderson has had a shoulder injury and Broad (left) an ankle niggle.

But Broad thinks they are raring to go, saying: “The positive thing is we haven’t had a huge amount of overs so we’re going into five Tests in six weeks really fresh.

“Alastair Cook, myself and Jimmy should be able to bring a lot of energy to guys who have been playing all summer.

“It’s going to be tough. 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.”

Broad has played two Championship matches for Nottinghamshire since Pakistan were routed inside three days at Headingley, sending down 41 overs, while Anderson has played even less.

That should give chances for new faces like Jamie Porter and Sam Curran, and Broad will not grumble if the old boys are rotated.

“It’s unrealistic to think seam bowlers will play five Tests in six weeks.

“There have been small conversations about not being disheartened if you are left out,” he added.

Stuart Broad was speaking at the launch of ‘The Test Experts’ Specsavers as official Test partner for England.