Cricket News

Rift between Joe Root and Stuart Broad? English pacer clarifies

Veteran England pacer Stuart Broad had a good outing against the Kiwis in the Lord’s Test. He picked up four crucial wickets in that match to contribute to England’s victory under the new captain, Ben Stokes.

Before this series, this pacer was dropped from the squad during England’s tour to the West Indies. Joe Root was the captain at that time and hence, some reports were there about some rift between Broad and Root. However, Stuart Broad cleared all the misunderstandings by stating that it would have been “pathetic” to hold a grudge against anyone after being dropped from the squad.

“Not at all, Joe and I are great friends.” – Stuart Broad

Speaking to the Cricket Paper, Stuart Broad said that there is no chance of any rift between him and Root as both of them are very good friends. He said: “Not at all, Joe and I are great friends. I’ve always been someone who can distinguish between business and pleasure. I can’t fall out with someone because they don’t pick me in a team, that would be a bit pathetic,”

He heaped high praises for Root’s class as he is going through a good run of form in recent times. “Joe and I spoke at length when he stood down as captain and I said to him how much he had meant to me as a captain, and what a privilege it was playing under him. I told him I hope he really enjoys the next few years, all that pressure has gone now, he’s already a legend of the game, so he can just go out there and enjoy it. Joe has proven his class already but he just keeps doing it,” he concluded.

Speaking about Broad’s career, the pacer played 153 Test matches so far by scalping 541 wickets at an economy of 2.93. Broad will be in action again as England will look to extend their lead over the Kiwis by winning the second Test match, starting on 10 June.