BROAD: I ASKED FOR BALL SWITCH

STuART BRoAD has revealed the crucial role he played in England’s decision to commission a new batch of bowler- friendly 2018 Dukes balls for this summer’s Tests against Ireland and Australia.

The move was announced on Wednesday by Ashley Giles, the managing director of England men’s cricket, and Broad said: ‘I spoke to Gilo after the first two county championship rounds. I didn’t think the 2019 ball was international quality. It went out of shape early and the period between 35 and 80 overs was dull.

‘The last two seasons of Test cricket have been brilliant to watch and play in — we didn’t need to mess around with seeing what this ball might do. Stick to what we know. It was brilliant leadership and decision-making.’

The 2018 model has a more prominent seam, leading to suggestions England simply wanted to improve their chances against an Australia batting line-up that has often struggled against lateral movement.

But Broad (below) insisted: ‘It’s not pro-English — Australia have brilliant bowlers. It’s a decision that makes cricket more exciting. The 2019 ball could, if the sun shines, be 600 plays 600. It’s just a sensible, logical decision.’

Broad also opened up about his friend and Nottinghamshire teammate Alex Hales, who was dropped from England’s World Cup squad after news emerged that he had failed two tests for recreational drugs.

‘I had him round the day after he came back from England’s training camp in Cardiff, as a friend,’ said Broad. ‘He was devastated and very aware he’d made a couple of dreadful decisions. In my opinion, the correct decision was made (to drop Hales).

‘He seems oK, but it will be hard for him once the World Cup kicks off. It will be: this is what I’m missing.’

Broad’s international summer will not begin until July 24, when England play a four- day Test against Ireland at Lord’s. He admitted he had already consulted Jofra Archer — who could make his Test debut in that game — for advice on the new shorter run-up Broad is employing to lessen the strain on his body.

‘I spoke to him because I liked his run-up and he generates pace with ease,’ he said. ‘My points of call were Jofra, Richard Hadlee and Jimmy Anderson. Jofra said when he wants to generate pace, he lengthens the run-up. His rhythm looks fantastic, he looks good to left-handers, he’s got the character for the top level. He’s a very exciting cricketer. ‘We’ll need a battery of fast bowlers and I can’t see a way that Jofra doesn’t play a part in that Ashes series. I hope he ends up in front of the oval pavilion with the urn.’ Broad was speaking at the launch of this year’s NatWest #NoBoundaries

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