Total recall... Broad is set to return in one-dayers
STUART BROAD’S international one-day exile is set to end as he is lined up for a 50-overs comeback against South Africa — and a possible call-up for next year’s World Twenty20.
The desire of England team director Andrew Strauss to separate England’s Test and limited-overs squads as much as possible has led to Broad concentrating on the longer form of the game.
England have an increasing chance of competing in India in the World Twenty20 in March and a Broad recall might be seen as a U-turn, given how a vibrant, new-look side clinched their Twenty20 series against Pakistan on Friday with a game to spare.
The way James Vince, Liam Plunkett and Stephen Parry have taken their chances means England will have plenty of options when selecting their final 15-man party.
Vince has justified the belief that senior coaching staff have in him with two classy contributions that make him an outstanding candidate for the spare batting place.
James Taylor, the Hampshire captain, has proved already that he belongs at the highest level while Plunkett, overlooked for the Test squad to tour South Africa, gave Trevor Bayliss food for thought with six wickets in two games and bowled with the extra pace crucial in all cricket.
Now the man who has revitalised his career at Yorkshire will compete with Broad and, if they are fit in time, Steven Finn and Mark Wood to provide the fast bowling depth in India that has been lacking at times in the UAE.
Reece Topley looks sure to be part of all England’s limitedovers cricket for some time to come while David Willey provides an exciting all-round option.
England will keep an eye on the Lions in their five-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan A in Dubai that starts this week, with the exciting Tymal Mills and the late blossoming Dawid Malan considered wild cards for the World Twenty20 if they impress.