Broad accepts England quicks could be rested during India series

STUART BROAD says he and his fellow England pacemen may have to accept being rested during the upcoming Test series with India. A packed schedule of five Tests in barely six weeks is one almost designed to work against fast bowlers on both sides, particularly if the recent soaring temperatures in Britain are maintained throughout August. England’s experienced new- ball duo of James Anderson and Broad both proved their fitness in the recent round of County Championship matches.

But while they won’t want to be rested, Broad, speaking ahead of the series opener at Edgbaston tomorrow said they were prepared for the possibility.

“I think there has already been small conversations saying about, ‘Don’t be disheartened if you are left out for a Test match, it’s not a personal attack or dropping, it’s a management of your bowlers to make sure we give ourselves the best chance’,” he told reporters at The Oval.

Looking ahead to how England might manage their quicks, Broad said: “I think will have to play that by ear – it will depend on tosses, pitches, workloads.

“If (there are) two Tests of 250 overs in the field each, it’s unrealistic to think your seam bowlers will play five Tests in six weeks.

“But if you have a Test where you bowl them out in 80, 60 overs, that changes your thinking.” – AFP