England speedster Stuart Broad admitted that he was disappointed over missing the first Test of the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 against Australia in Brisbane but wasn’t much surprised with his non-selection, saying no seamer can play all five Tests in the “marathon” series.
Both Broad and James Anderson, England's all-time Test wicket-takers, weren’t picked for the first Test and the decision backfired, as the tourists suffered a 9-wicket at the hands of Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane last week to trail 1-0 in the five-match Test series.
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Broad wrote in his column for Daily Mail: “Over the past 12 months, Anderson and I tried to ensure we were as fit as could be in the current COVID climate, ready to go and available for all five tests in Australia. I think we ticked that box.”
He further explained, “But England selection isn't in the hands of players. It's in those of people who have to make choices based on conditions and the balance of the team and our job now, with four matches to go, is to be ready for the next of the series in Adelaide.
I've been left out on numerous occasions and sometimes it comes as a real surprise. This was less of a surprise, maybe because I wasn't in the team for the previous series against India due to a calf injury.”
The 35-year-old pacer also admitted that he could have made a difference in bowler-friendly conditions in Brisbane, but at the same time, said that it’s not possible to play in all five Ashes Test matches.
Broad further added, “Of course, I was disappointed not to play but I realize 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.”
He signed off by saying, “Do I want to be on the field at Hobart in the fifth test with the opportunity to do something special? Of course. And if I'm not needed before then, we will have done bloody well.”
(With Reuters Inputs)
