ENG vs WI: Stuart Broad fumes over his non-selection in first Test

England’s latest captain Ben Stokes surprised everyone with his bold selection in the first Test against West Indies at the Rose Bowl, Southampton. The move was being discussed but in an unlikely tone. However, England did actually drop Stuart Broad from the opening Test. The bowler revealed that he was ‘frustrated’ and ‘angry’ over the non-selection.

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“I’m not a particularly emotional person but I’ve found the last couple of days quite tough,” Broad told Sky Sports. “To say I was disappointed would be an understatement; you’re disappointed if you drop your phone and the screen breaks. I’m frustrated, angry and gutted. It’s difficult to understand. I’ve probably bowled the best I’ve ever bowled the last couple of years, I felt it was my shirt. I was in the team for the Ashes and going to South Africa and winning there,” he added. 

Broad is just 15 wickets away from taking 500 wickets in Test cricket. Only three fast bowlers have achieved this landmark in the longest format. His recent performances were extra-ordinary which makes his non-selection even more baffling.

At the age of 34, Broad as a fast-bowler does not have many years ahead of him. He also discussed the issue with the selector, “I spoke to Ed Smith [the national selector] last night, he said he was involved in picking the 13 and this side was picked purely for this pitch. I wanted clarification on my the future going forward and I was given pretty positive feedback going forward. So yes, I was frustrated in the fact that I felt like I deserved a spot in the team,” he said.

England opted Mark Wood over Broad, who is one of the fastest English bowlers. Wood was also impressive in the South Africa series. His selection alongside Jofra Archer was aimed as allowing England to have express pace from both the ends.