Stuart Broad says England need an extra seamer, and now is the time to give them a chance, with the Cricket World Cup more than a year away.
Three days after leapfrogging India in the T20 world rankings, England’s ODI struggles opened with a comprehensive six-wicket defeat against the No. 1 ODI team at Edgbaston.
Harry Brook’s side are eighth in the standings, having lost 14 of their last 20 matches with their sixth straight loss to India.
England are ranked eighth in the world and are playing like it, Broad said. Sky Sports Cricket.
“They need to get more experience in role-playing.”
Joe Root’s unbeaten 76 and Liam Dawson’s maiden ODI half-century rescued England from 80-5 after the collapse of the top order and set India a target of 259 for victory.
The target ultimately proved too light, but only when the tourists were reeling from losing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli within six balls.
Shubman Gill’s brilliant 80 off 75 balls before retiring did much for India after facing an opening salvo from England, with Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue, the only recognisable fast bowlers, bowling 13 balls in the first 16 overs.
Broad believes England urgently need to address their lack of options to ease the burden on Archer, Tong and spinner Adil Rashid.
“After the defeat at Edgbaston, there may be a shift in mindset towards playing another seamer,” he added.
“Looking at the next World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, it will be the quick, long bowlers who will be most effective there.
“Given the make-up and balance of the side, with Rashid, Liam Dawson and Will Jacks, along with the part-time spin options of Jacob Bethell and Joe Root, I would lean towards playing an extra seamer rather than one of the spinners, as it gives that bowler experience and exposure to match conditions.
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“Sam Curran is a very good cricketer, but he is not a first-change Sam bowler. England need someone to come through the bowlers and seamers in the middle overs and take the outside edge, so they don’t have to go to Archer all the time.
Could it be Bryden Carrs, Gus Atkinson or Saqib Mahmood? England need to start testing him now.
England vs India Results and Fixtures
At all times in Great Britain and Ireland, All games live on Sky Sports
- First ODI (Edgbaston – India won by six wickets.
- 2nd ODI (Cardiff) – Thursday 16th July (1pm)
- 3rd ODI (Lord’s) – Sunday, July 19 (11 am)
