Flower praise hands off-key Broad a boost
UNDER-FIRE seamer Stuart Broad looks set to retain his place in the England side for the fourth Ashes Test with Australia at Headingley tomorrow – after receiving a glowing assessment from coach Andy Flower.
The Nottinghamshire bowler has failed to impress with the ball in the series so far, taking just six wickets in the three matches at an average of 57.50 apiece. But his timely 55 with the bat at Edgbaston makes him a viable all-rounder option for England, especially with Andrew Flintoff struggling. His on-going battle with a knee problem saw Flintoff opt not to bowl in practice yesterday.
England have named a 14-man squad for the Headingley Test with Broad facing competition from Steve Harmison and Ryan Sidebottom for his place. But Flower has hinted the 23-year-old will be handed another chance to shine.
“He has handled everything that international cricket has thrown at him incredibly well since he came in,” he said. “He is a fantastic young cricketer now and he is going to be even better as he progresses and as the team progresses. Yes, he has had a quiet series with the ball but he has chipped in every now and then. I am very happy with Stuart.”
Australia, meanwhile, look set to have fast bowler Brett Lee and wicket-keeper Brad Haddin available. Lee is back bowling at full pace following the rib injury which ruled him out of the first three Tests, while Haddin should replace Graham Manou after recovering from a broken finger. “I’m 100 per cent ready to go,” Lee said.