Broad ready as Root set to go on attack

Stuart Broad is itching to play a lead role as England go on the attack under new captain Joe Root against South Africa.

Broad, fit after a recent recurrence of a long-standing heel injury, is raring to go in the first Investec Test at Lord’s, which starts tomorrow morning, when he and James Anderson will resume the pace partnership which has underpinned so much of England’s success over the past decade.

He anticipates that Root will thrive on his new responsibility, having been named as Alastair Cook’s successor five months ago yet about to experience the thrill of being Test captain for the first time tomorrow.

Root is already established among the world’s best batsmen, currently number three in the International Cricket Council’s rankings after 53 Tests.

But Broad believes, after taking on the captaincy with that unbeaten halfcentury banked at the age of 26, the Yorkshireman can begin to enhance his status still further.

“I think it will take his game to the next level, if he can go any higher,” he told Sky Sports News.

“He’ll really thrive off the extra responsibility.”

Broad is confident too that Root’s England will be a proactive force.

He added: “He’s an attacking cricketer, quite aggressive in the way he plays, so I think the team will take that sort of shape.

“He was announced a long time ago, and now he has the chance to put things into place.”