LONDON: England pacer Stuart Broad has dismissed speculation that he and former captain Joe Root had a strained relationship after being dropped early for the three-Test series in the Caribbean.
Broad and bowling partner James Anderson were both dropped from the Caribbean tour following England’s dismal performance in the Ashes in Australia, which the Root-led side lost 0–4. While Broad had no role in the Ashes debacle as he was not part of the playing XI in two of the five Tests, and was a useful contribution in the remaining three (he also took five wickets in the fourth Test of a draw in Sydney), this The pacer paid the price for England’s poor batting performance.
There had been speculation about a decline since Broad’s ouster, but the pacer said Root and he are “very good friends”.
“Joe and I are great friends. I can’t hang out with anyone because they don’t pick me on a team, it would be a little pathetic,” Broad was quoted as saying by Sky Play on Tuesday.
Broad, Anderson and Root were part of the Ben Stokes-led side that won the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second Test will be played from June 10 at Trent Bridge.
“Joe and I spoke for a long time as he stood down as captain and I told him how much he meant to me as a captain, and what a privilege it was to play under him,” Broad said. he said.
“I told him that I hope he really enjoys the next few years. All that pressure is gone now. He’s already a legend of the game, so he can go out there and enjoy it.” Joe and I are great friends.And I’ve always been someone who can make the difference between business and pleasure.
“I can’t be out with anyone because they don’t pick me in a team; It would be a bit pathetic,” Broad said.
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