Broad in line for Test debut

FE Team | Published: July 16, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

Stuart Broad is in line for his first Test cap after England named him in the 13-man squad for the opener against India at Lord's this week. Steve Harmison has been included, but his hernia problem -- which will be reassessed Monday -- leaves him a severe doubt so Broad, and James Anderson, have been added as cover, reports Cricinfo.
England have also retained the side which beat West Indies 3-0 in the recent series, with Matthew Hoggard playing his fourth Test series against India. Andrew Flintoff is still out with an ankle injury, but has hopes of making the one-day series.
David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, said of Harmison: "At this stage his chances of playing are slim and the choice for the final pace bowling position will be between James Anderson and Stuart Broad. They are different types of bowlers and the final decision will depend on our assessment of the pitch and the weather conditions at Lord's.
"It may mean that we have to go into this series with a relatively inexperienced attack, but I am sure all of the bowlers concerned will relish the opportunity to test themselves against a side which has one of the strongest batting line-ups in world cricket.''
If and when England lose Harmison that will be a blow, as he has been in good form for Durham recently and in the last two Tests against West Indies, where he took 10 wickets in all.
Broad, 21, was denied a Test debut in May, through injury. But he already has international experience, having played nine one-dayers for England, including their three against West Indies in June, where he took five wickets. He also has three Twenty20s under his belt, again playing two of those against West Indies. His county season with Leicestershire has been solid, with ten wickets in three matches.
The first Test begins at Lord's Thursday.
England: Michael Vaughan, Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Matt Prior, Ryan Sidebottom, Stephen Harmison, Monty Panesar, Matthew Hoggard, James Anderson and Stuart Broad.