James Anderson and Stuart Broad, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-takers, were left out of the squad for the tour of the West Indies in March; Rob Key, the ECB’s new managing director, told Sky Sports this week that the duo could perform in England this summer.
James Anderson would like to return to England Test setup
James Anderson wants to return to the England trial squad with new captain Ben Stokes after being controversially dropped from the squad.
Anderson and Stuart Broad, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-takers with 1,177 wickets between them, were left out of the 16-man squad for the three-Test tour of the West Indies in March, which the team lost 1- 0.
Rob Key, the new managing director of the ECB, said sky sports this week that the duo could feature for England this summer and were keen to get involved.
“Stuart and I were hoping our careers weren’t over. So it’s good to hear there’s a chance,” Anderson told The Associated Press. BBC.
“It still means we have to put in some performances here with our counties to show we are playing well enough to make it to the final 11.
“Because of the situation and not having people in these roles, you’re not sure what’s going to happen. So now having that clarity is really nice.”
England unveiled Stokes as their Test captain on Thursday, hoping for a quick turnaround after a tame end this month to Joe Root’s five years in charge.
Stokes’ first assignment will be a two-game home series in June against New Zealand.
Asked if Broad and Anderson will feature for England this summer, Key said Sky sports news: “Yes, they will.
“Before it was announced that I was doing this job, I called them both and told them both that in my opinion they are both available for selection.
“‘I can’t promise you that you’re going to play, all that kind of stuff, you’re only available for selection.’ Then Ben Stokes was very clear about the fact that he wants Jimmy and Broady back.
“Now, it’s going to be purely about who’s the best eleven to win that first Test match, nothing more, nothing less. If they’re in it, which they most likely are because they’re two great bowlers, then they’ll play.”
The news came on the day that Anderson picked up three wickets for Lancashire against Hampshire, and Broad, playing his first match of the season, struck once for Nottinghamshire against Worcestershire.
Key said, “They just want to continue on this journey that they’ve been on [with England]. They didn’t want it to end the way it possibly could have. Both were obviously very happy to be up for selection for that first Test match.”
