India V England 1st Test At Lord’s: Stuart Broad Retains Place In England Squad

Stuart Broad has managed to keep his place in the English squad after speculations that he will be dropped due to his poor form. The other inclusion is that of Tim Bresnan, with whom Broad could be fighting for the final berth in the playing 11 as the selectors have dropped Steven Finn from the English squad to take on India in the first Test match at Lord’s.

The rest of the side is on predictable lines with Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook opening the innings, and Jonathon Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell and Eoin Morgan making the top six batsmen. Matt Prior will be the wicket-keeper while James Anderson could share the new ball with Chris Tremlett and Graeme Swann will be the lone specialist spinner.

Broad looked like he could get the axe after an indifferent last couple of months but his five-wicket haul in the previous county game, the selectors have decided to give him another go. Broad brings aggression to the English bowling and while he has often been criticised for treading on the wrong side of the spirit of the game, his ability to get under the skins of the opposition batsmen is much valued.

Geoff Miller, the national selector, explained the reasons of selecting Broad to a news channel, “We watched him bowl here at Trent Bridge in the four-day game. There were signs he was getting back to where he was.” He also added that he hoped that Broad will make it difficult for the Indians with his aggression.

Bresnan had been out of the team with a calf injury but he seems to have recovered now.