Broady proves he is Sam-thing special

SAM CURRAN has revealed how Stuart Broad has gone the extra mile to help him thrive in Sri Lanka.

All-rounder Curran ended Broad’s 10-year reign as England’s opening bowler alongside Jimmy Anderson for the first Test win in Galle.

But far from sulking over the axe, Broad has been trying to make sure Curran’s first senior tour to the subcontinent is a successful one.

And the pair could yet join forces as England ponder changes for Wednesday’s from DEAN WILSON in Kandy second Test in Kandy. Curran said: “This is my first England tour to the subcontinent and it is very different.

“So keeping someone like Broady out the side... I don’t know if it is me who is keeping him out, but conditions are very different and we went in with three spinners.

“It’s been very surreal these past few months, playing with these guys, and even though Broady didn’t play, he was always coming out and giving me a few tips.

“He and Jimmy are two very down-to-earth guys.

“You see them around the hotel and you probably learn more away from the ground – going for dinner with them, playing FIFA, chatting cricket – than you do at the stadium.”

England are weighing up their options, with Broad pushing to return if skipper Joe Root reverts from a three to a two-man spin attack this week.

Jonny Bairstow is also pushing to play after recovering from an ankle ligament injury, with back-up batsman Ollie Pope leaving to join up with the Lions on their tour of the UAE.

Curran added: “Rooty has spoken a lot to us about coming here as a full squad.

“It’s about the whole group, not just the playing XI.

“The group is so close and the one-day team showed it as well.

“There is some great momentum and great vibes in the dressing room.”

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal has been ruled out of the rest of the series with a groin injury with Suranga Lakmal taking over.

Akila Dananjaya’s place could also be in doubt after he was reported for a suspect bowling action. Dananjaya, who took two wickets in Galle, is free to continue playing while testing is carried out over the next fortnight.