Going into a 3-match Test series in Sri Lankan conditions, visitors England are stuck in ‘The Stuart Broad Dilemma’ – whether to pick him or not in the playing XI of the 1st Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The pitch here offers more help to spinners compared to seamers which implies England might be prompted to pick 3 spinners in their line-up.
Considering the pitch conditions, only one between James Anderson and Stuart Broad will get a go in this 1st Test of the series in Galle. James Anderson being the highest wicket taker among pacers in Tests is almost certain to find a place in the playing XI, unless he’s unfit.
“We’ve been away from home for a number of times now and struggled. So whether we have to find a different formula we’ll just have to wait and see. We still haven’t finalized the team. Stuart [Broad] could still definitely play a massive part within the three-match series and definitely he is an option in the first game,” said Joe Root, England Test captain.
Stuart Broad till date has played only two Test matches in Sri Lanka in which he picked up 3 wickets at a worrying bowling average of 66.33. Also, Broad failed to pick up a wicket in the ongoing first warm-up game against Sri Lanka BP XI whereas other pacers (in the line-up) James Anderson and Chris Woakes picked up a wicket each.
England’s last overseas Test series victory came in South Africa in the year 2016 during which they defeated home team Proteas by a margin of 2-1 to win the 4-match series. And who better than struggling Sri Lanka to target for an overseas victory! Considering all these facts and figures, Stuart Broad might face the axe in the 1st Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
The first test match of the three match series between Sri Lanka and England will be played at Galle starting from Nov 06. Remember, this also marks Sri Lankan veteran spinner Rangana Herath’s last international game of his career.
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