Gough 'really surprised' by Broad's omission from Southampton Test

Former England fast bowler Darren Gough has said he was surprised to see pace spearhead Stuart Broad sit out of the

Published on:

10 Jul 2020, 3:45 am

SOUTHAMPTON: Former England fast bowler Darren Gough has said he was surprised to see pace spearhead Stuart Broad sit out of the first Test of the three-match #raisethebat series against West Indies which started at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday.

The hosts opted for Mark Wood in place of Broad, alongside veteran James Anderson and pace sensation Jofra Archer for the series opener.

The last time Broad missed a Test on home soil was also against West Indies during the 2012 series at Edgbaston.

"(I am) really surprised," said Gough on Sky Sports podcast The Cricket Debate, regarding Broad's absence from the playing XI. Because when you talk about sticking with players, I thought with the Broad situation, he has stood up and been counted for England over the past few years, when Jimmy (Anderson) has been limping out of games with injury.

"I would've played both Broad and Anderson in this game - I think they deserved that respect - and then I would've gone for one of Wood or Archer. In typical English conditions, the way I would've done it is, rotated Anderson, Broad and (Chris) Woakes - always two out of the three - and then have one of Wood or Archer," he added. IANS

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Stuart Broad