Ashes 2021-22: England pacer Stuart Broad has revealed about an “awkward moment” with Australia legend Glenn McGrath ahead of the first Ashes 2021-22 Test which England lost by 9 wickets. Follow Ashes 2021-22 live on InsideSport.IN.
Ashes 2021-22: Stuart Broad reveals ‘awkward moment’ with Glenn McGrath ahead of Brisbane Test
In his column for the The Daily Mail, the 35-year-old has mentioned about the moment when McGrath walked up to him seconds ahead of the toss and congratulated him for ‘playing in his 150th Test match’.
Notably, Broad was not included in the playing XI for the first Test as Joe Root opted to go with Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, and Mark Wood in the series opener.
Narrating the incident the Nottingham-born fast bowler said that he thanked McGrath before embarrassingly disclosing that he was not part of the eleven.
“Despite the disappointment, I did see the funny side of things when seconds before the toss, Glenn McGrath approached me and shook my hand between high catches I was practicing on the outfield. ‘Congratulations on 150, mate, it’s a special effort, have a great game,’ he said. I thanked him but had to tell him I wasn’t in. An awkward moment but one which raised an embarrassed smile and a chuckle,” wrote Stuart Broad in his column for The Daily Mail on Sunday.
I could have had a positive influence at the Gabba: Broad
Broad has admitted that he was disappointed to not be part of the Gabba Test, also adding that featuring in all five Ashes Tests for a pacer under the current situation was “realistically” not possible. The lanky pacer also believes that the nature of the Gabba pitch could have helped him make a positive influence on the match.
“Of course, I was disappointed not to play but I also realise this series is a marathon and not a sprint. Never have five Test matches been as bunched up as this and it will be exhausting, so realistically I don’t think any seamer will play all five. It would be wrong in this scenario to kick up a stink. On the flip side, I love Ashes cricket, love bowling at the Gabba, and feel like I could’ve had a positive influence on a pitch like that,” he added.
After losing the first match, England captain Joe Root had said that Broad was left out as the team wanted to go in the match with more variation.
Stuart Broad and James Anderson available for 2nd Test: Silverwood
Ahead of the second Test – a Day-Night fixture in Adelaide – England coach Chris Silverwood has confirmed that Stuart Broad and James Anderson are fit and available for the high-octane clash. However, Silverwood is yet to confirm their place in the XI.
“They are available, yes,” Silverwood told British media on Sunday. “Jimmy will be fit and ready to go for the second test, as will Stuart. (But) I have not told anyone they are playing yet.
“The guys have already been training with the pink ball behind the scenes. And what we have got is a very skilful set of bowlers.
“We have talent and we still have two of the best up our sleeve as well,” he said.
Ashes 2021-22: Stuart Broad reveals ‘awkward moment’ with Glenn McGrath ahead of Brisbane Test
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