England vs West Indies: Stuart Broad likely to be dropped for the first Test

England pacer Stuart Broad is likely to be dropped from the playing XI of the first Test of the three-match series against West Indies. This decision is likely to be made to pave the way for Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. There is only one spinner in Dom Bess in England’s squad. So, the hosts would be relying heavily on the pace attack.

As a result, the authorities are tempted to try out the combination of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood along with James Anderson leading the attack. In that case, it will be interesting to see who shares the new ball with Anderson.

A report published in The Guardian states that Broad faces the prospect of missing a first home Test match in eight years as England give serious consideration to unleashing the dual pace of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood at the earliest opportunity.

The report further added, “With no spare batsman in this final group for Wednesday and one spinner, Dom Bess, it leaves the make-up of the seam attack as the only issue still to be debated by Chris Silverwood, the head coach, and Ben Stokes, his stand-in captain.”

Stuart Broad might miss his first Test at home in 8 years

It would be after a span of eight years that the veteran cricketer Stuart Broad would not be a part of the England’s Test XI at home if he is dropped. The last time he missed a Test match dates back to 2012, when the cricketer was rested against West Indies. One other significant reason for dropping Broad is that the England team is scheduled to play six back-to-back Tests; three against West Indies and Pakistan each.

As a result, the authorities can rotate the pacers in order to keep them fresh throughout the matches. “It may yet be that the management hold the more physically fragile Wood back until the second Test at Old Trafford, given a potentially bouncier surface, thus putting less onus on Stokes to bowl in Southampton during what is his first outing as captain,” the paper read.

English bowler Chris Woakes can also miss the first match at Ageas Bowl against West Indies along with Stuart Broad. England is expected to face West Indies for a three match test series from July 8 to July 28 with the inaugural match starting at Ageas Bowl.

England squad: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Rory Burns, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler(wk), Zak Crawley, Joe Denly, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.