England ‘consider dropping’ either Broad or Anderson for West Indies tour

02/07/2022

England are reportedly considering leaving Stuart Broad or James Anderson out of the Test squad for the tour to West Indies next month.

Paul Collingwood has been named the interim coach of the side following the sacking of Chris Silverwood after four years in charge.

He has also joined Andrew Strauss and James Taylor, remotely, in the return of a selection panel entrusted with the responsibility of launching England’s new red-ball cycle.

One of the biggest conundrums the trio face will be the potential inclusion or omission of two of the side’s greatest ever bowlers, report the Mail.

Following the Ashes debacle, the feeling by the end of series from some was that both should no longer be picked in the same squad.

The iconic bowling duo, who boast over 1100 Test wickets between them, were unable to drag the team out of the mire caused primarily by the side’s batting woes in Australia.

England struggled to reach scores in excess of 200 and failed to score 300 during the five-match series.

They slumped to a 4-1 defeat in a series so diabolical it cost Ashley Giles and Graham Thorpe their jobs in addition to Silverwood.

Collingwood, one of England’s finest all-rounders, gave a clue as to his and the side's thinking regarding their approach to selection.

“I have spoken to Joe Root and Ben Stokes and both are excited and passionate to take the team forward in the new cycle,” he said.

“Although they know it won’t be easy they have the desire and bravery to do things differently to ensure the team can prosper.”

After being appointed as England coach, Collingwood is relishing the challenge.

“I can’t wait to get started,” he added.

“Having a challenging Test series against West Indies straight off the back of Ashes disappointment gives us a chance to reset and rebuild.

"We have an opportunity to get back on track."

Root will remain as Test captain for the tour of the Caribbean, with Stokes as vice-captain.

"My objective is to give players clarity, direction and encouragement for them to start building something special," Collingwood added.

England will contest three test matches against the West Indies in Antigua starting on March 8.

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