Holding a grudge over England omission in West Indies would be 'pathetic', says Stuart Broad
- Sean Fisher
- 6 June 2022
Stuart Broad claimed four wickets across both innings of his England return this week, and the 35-year-old insists he's excited to be back in the national setup.
After being snubbed alongside James Anderson for the West Indies tour back in March, Stuart Broad marked his England return with a scintillating display at Lord's, claiming four wickets as England won their first Test under new captain Ben Stokes.
England's five-wicket victory marked the 100th occasion that Broad has played alongside Joe Root in a Test match, but despite the latter playing a part in leaving Broad out of the West Indies tour, there remains no grudges between the pair.
"Not at all, Joe and I are great friends," said Broad.
All 20 wickets we took in the first Test! ☝🔴
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 6, 2022
🏴 #ENGvNZ 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/tkYp671IXQ
"I've always been someone who can distinguish between business and pleasure. I can't fall out with someone because they don't pick me in a team, that would be a bit pathetic.
"Joe and I spoke at length when he stood down as captain and I said to him how much he had meant to me as a captain, and what a privilege it was playing under him,
"I told him I hope he really enjoys the next few years, all that pressure has gone now, he's already a legend of the game, so he can just go out there and enjoy it. Joe has proven his class already but he just keeps doing it."
"One of England's all-time greats!" 👏
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 5, 2022
The moment Rooty reached his 26th Test century 🏏@Root66 | @IGCom pic.twitter.com/DBO9QKiurG
Broad also commented on how he and Root continue to bond away from the cricket pitch, with the pair enjoying some competition between their respective football teams last month.
Broad's Nottingham Forest managed to get the better of Root's beloved Sheffield United in the Championship play-off semi-final, and Broad revealed he watched the match alongside Root.
"I spent a great night with Joe at Nottingham Forest when we beat Sheffield United," Broad said.
"Afterwards we were drinking red wine with Steve Cooper (Forest manager) in his office until the early hours, so I had to apologise to Carrie (Root's wife) that he came home a bit late."
With all rumours of a fall-out now squashed, England can look forward to picking up more wins with both Broad and Root in the side.
The second Test against New Zealand begins on June 10, and the duo will both be hoping for a similar performance at Trent Bridge next week.
