Nah Archer moves it way more than Broad ever has, don't forget that just because he's quick. As for stats, take the Ashes as they both played it - Broad took 23 at 26 in the Ashes, Archer only took one less despite playing a game less - 22 at 20. Peak Broad vs Archer might be a more interesting conversation but for me Archer is comfortably ahead at present. On a tangent, felt like Stokes used him well in this test - spell lengths/tactics more sensible than Root has been at times.
Wood vs Broad is more contentious but totally understandable to go with Wood given his recent test performances and being fit to go after lockdown-enforced rest. Wood's figures from a couple of years ago when he bowled 80-85 most of the time are rubbish, but current Wood is a different bowler.
Broad pitching it up and attacking the stumps is a nice idea, but in practice he's spent the past few years bowling pretty lengths and relying on English pitches. Admittedly he's been better in the last couple of series, but he's left himself vulnerable at a time when the fast bowling stocks are suddenly looking a lot richer. Could level the same criticism on lengths at Jimmy at times, but his figures are significantly better. In any case, that's a tactical problem not a selection problem - don't tell me a test-class collection of fast bowlers can't bowl at the stumps if they want to! Expect Broad will play several tests this summer, but will be interesting to see where they go for the next test. A lot might depend on Wood's knees in the short term.
Author
Topic: England’s international summer (Read 123876 times)