England pace bowler Stuart Broad has cleared the air regarding his relationship with former captain Joe Root on Monday. Notably, he was not picked for the tour of West Indies along with his pace bowling partner James Anderson earlier this year. Their 1-0 loss in the Caribbean Islands ended up being Root’s final Test as captain of the England Test side as well. And, after their 4-0 series defeat in the Ashes saw England management chose a new captain, coach and also a new-look pace unit where players like Saqib Mahmood, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, and Craig Overton featured in the three-match Test series as well.
While talking about whether he is holding a grudge over Root regarding the selection snub, Stuart Broad told English media: “Joe and I spoke at length when he stood down as captain and I said to him how much he’s meant to me and what a privilege it was playing under him. “Joe and I are great friends. And I’ve always been someone who can distinguish between business and pleasure. I can’t fall out with someone because they don’t pick me in a team, that would be a bit pathetic.”
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The veteran speedster was recalled to the squad for Ben Stokes’ maiden series as Test captain. He also marked his return with figures of 1/45 and 3/76 in the five-wicket win over New Zealand at Lord’s as well. The senior duo of Stuart Broad and James Anderson were concerned about their future after being dropped from the away tour. However, they have been encouraged to carry on, at least for the ongoing England summer under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
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“I started this season not knowing if I’d pull on the England shirt again, I was just enjoying every day for what it was. Jimmy turns 40 this year, four years ago was he thinking 2018 might be his last at Old Trafford? Probably not. I’ll attack this week with the same mindset: I’ll walk out on that first day, look around the stands, and know how lucky I am to be there,” Stuart Broad concluded.
