England vs West Indies: Stuart Broad lashes out after being left out of the first Test

England pacer Stuart Broad has shown his frustration and anger over his exclusion from the first test against West Indies at the Ageas Bowl.

Broad sought reassurances from the management over why he was dropped from the match which also marked the return of International Cricket in England, leaving him “frustrated, angry and gutted”. 

It came as a surprise for Broad as well as his fans after he was omitted from the squad. Broad, who is England’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, was made to sit as the team management went ahead with James Anderson, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. 

“I’ve found the last couple of days quite tough. To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement.” the 34-year-old told Sky Sports.

Broad was the second-highest wicket-taker in the Tests last year with 48 wickets at an average of 23.52, only behind Australia’s speedster Pat Cummins. 

Broad was declared fit before the match in Southampton, however, the team decided to go ahead with their all-time highest Test wicket-taker James Anderson, Archer and Wood while leaving him out. Broad-Anderson duo has been wreaking havoc for a number of overs and Broad being frustrated for being left out from the first Test of a home series was perhaps quite understandable.  

“It is quite a hard decision to understand. I’ve probably bowled the best I’ve ever bowled in the last couple of years,” Broad added.  

As per the reports, the wickets in Southampton has been on a drier side and it would assist faster bowlers who can consistently tick 145-150 Kmph and hence, the team management decided to go with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood along with Anderson. That means if the wickets in the next Test favour the seam bowlers then he would surely make a cut into the playing XI. 

“The decision to go with extra pace on this pitch was based on being here and based on this pitch. That means if I get to Old Trafford for the second Test and it looks like it might seam from full of a length, I might have a chance.” Broad concluded.