Stuart Broad could drop to first change quickie as England rethink new ball formula
STUART BROAD will not feel offended or snubbed if the new ball is taken away from him this week.
Captain Joe Root is set to break up the record-breaking partnership of Broad and James Anderson for the pink ball First Test against New Zealand starting on Thursday.
That would almost certainly mean Chris Woakes opening the bowling with Anderson and Broad coming on first change.
Even though Anderson, 35, has described his close friend Broad as being “disappointed” by the decision, the 6ft 6in Nottinghamshire bowler claims to be more upbeat.
Asked if it was a slight Broad, who needs one victim to become just the second Englishman after
Anderson to reach 400 Test wickets, said: “It’s certainly not been talked about in that way. I’ve just spoken to coach Trevor Bayliss and no final decision has been made.
“But the thinking is that, since South Africa in 2016, our away form has been average. Not just bowling, we need to strive for improvement in all departments.
“We’re trying to sustain pressure for longer, for a whole two-hour session.
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“There are certain things we’re looking at — such as using bowlers when specific batsmen come in.
“My record against Ross Taylor is very good. I think I’ve got him nine times in Tests. I should be bowling to him during his first 30 balls.
“We’re trying to be more flexible. But New Zealand have two left-handed openers and Jimmy and I bowled well to them during the pink ball practice match.
“So there’s still a chance I could take the new ball.
“Jimmy and I have been very successful but is there a way of splitting us up to create pressure for longer?”
Broad, 31, has used much of the ten weeks since England were thrashed 4-0 in The Ashes to tinker with his bowling action.
He spent solitary hours in the indoor school at Trent Bridge, attempting to align his front arm and shoulder on a straighter plane.
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No coaches or advisors, Broad did it all on his own. And he says the results have already been dramatic.
He said: “In the warm-up in Hamilton, it was probably the best I’ve bowled for a year. It was the sort of spell that could have brought me five or six wickets in a Test.
“I feel like something good is coming my way because of the work I’ve done.
“I’ve not recently had the streaks I want but I’ve also had the most dropped catches in world cricket over the last three years — which never seems to get mentioned!
“I feel my time is coming. Whether it’s in these two Tests or in England, it’s coming. I feel I have that buzz back.”