Broad responds in style to Vaughan
Stuart Broad admits he was angered by his former captain Michael Vaughan’s criticism before the second NatWest Test – and rang him to clear the air.
Vaughan suggested that England should consider dropping either Broad, or his record-breaking pace partner James Anderson, at Headingley. On day one of a Test England must win to avoid a series defeat, they both took three wickets – as did Chris Woakes – to bowl Pakistan out for 174.
After England closed well on top, on 106-2, Broad confirmed he had taken Vaughan to task. “You get used to both positive and negative opinions, but sometimes I don’t think it is justified,” he said. “This time, it did anger me a little bit –because I thought it was a bit unfair, and a bit targeted really. “So I called him and expressed my disappointment. “I’m not going to hold a personal grudge if someone criticises me, particularly if I feel like I deserve it.” Broad responded with figures of 3-38, having managed just one wicket in England’s crushing defeat at Lord’s last week. He said: “Two Tests ago, I got eight wickets in Christchurch; I’ve been beating the bat, feeling in good rhythm, getting wickets for Nottinghamshire.
“So I felt like the criticism this week was a little bit unjustified. It did put me under a little bit more pressure... but part and parcel of our job at the top level is being able to deliver under pressure.
“You do have to move on quickly from it, and I hope a good bowling performance from the team is a step on the ladder to a Test match win.”