Stuart Broad, James Anderson available for first Test against New Zealand, confirms Rob Key

England’s newly elected managing director Rob Key has confirmed that senior pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad are available for selection for the first Test against New Zealand. The new managing director also emphasized the fact that dropping both Anderson and Broad during their tour of the West Indies was only temporary.

To note, both senior pacers were left out from the squad for the away Test series against West Indies. However, the tactic did not work in England’s favor as they lost the series 0-1. It must also be noted that the series against West Indies was the last assignment for Joe Root as England captain as the batter has now been replaced by all-rounder Ben Stokes.

Both Stokes, Rob Key have agreed on the return of Anderson and Broad

The new managing director also said that he and the skipper Stokes had a conversation and both of them agree that the senior pacers should be brought back into the squad.

“I rang Jimmy and Broady on Sunday when I got announced at Easter time. I just said to them, ‘obviously there are going to be coaches coming in, but for my money, you guys are available for selection for that first Test match,” Rob Key was quoted by ESPN.

“Then when I met Ben, one of the first things he said was ‘I want the best team out there, and Jimmy and Broady are a part of that, in my opinion. If they’re the best bowlers, then they play. That’s it.’ I said I agree. And then we moved on,” the new MD added.

Talking about Anderson and Broad numbers in Test cricket, Anderson has taken a record 640 Test wickets while Broad is second on England’s all-time list with 537 scalps. Both Anderson and Broad have been excellent for their team and have produced some of the magical spells in cricketing history. Meanwhile, the Three Lions will take on New Zealand in a three-match Test series, slated to start on June 2 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.