LONDON: Fast bowler Stuart Broad has escaped the axe for next week’s third Test, despite his poor start to the summer.
Broad conceded more than 100 runs before taking a wicket in each of the first two Tests against Sri Lanka.
The Sun quoted England boss Andy Flower, as saying: “I think Stuart’s injuries have upset his progress. But he has looked very strong in the two Tests so far and I can only see him getting better. I don’t think Stuart would say he has bowled at his peak so far but we all know he is a very fine performer. I expect him to play a serious role at the Rose Bowl.”
Flower’s backing for Broad means that Steven Finn, who bowled inconsistently at Lord’s but still took four wickets in Sri Lanka’s first innings, will make way if Lancashire’s James Anderson returns following a side strain of his own.
Flower has also backed wicketkeeper Matt Prior over “freak accident” that broke the Lord’s window.
“I was two metres away when it happened and there was no real malicious intent at all,” Flower was quoted as saying by Daily Telegraph. (Agencies)