Stuart Broad has admitted that England’s packed schedule over the next two months will make it a “big ask” for him to feature in any Tests this summer.
Broad is part of the squad that will face Ireland in the one-off Test at Lord’s, starting on Thursday before joining the six-match Ashes series against Australia at the end of July.
The 36-year-old seamer – who is England’s second-ranked Test bowler behind compatriot James Anderson – has admitted that turnover in the squad, particularly among the bowlers, is inevitable.
“I try not to think too far ahead,” Broad told Sky Sports. “You just have to attack each week ahead but at the end of the day, six test games in seven weeks is a big ask.
“I can’t think of many times in my career that he has come so quickly and so quickly. In Test cricket, you have to give your heart and soul to every ball on the field and that will be my commitment to the team.
“If that means Test matches, three matches or six matches, I will give everything. Finally, as bowlers we want to be fit and fresh now and in the last Test of the summer at the Oval.
“So it’s going to be about managing the workload and making sure that everyone in the park is ready to go that week. and make sure we have enough plates in six to seven weeks.”
England’s bowling department was boosted ahead of the Ireland Test record gave Ollie Robinson a clear, despite the ankle problem that forced him out of Sussex’s County Championship game against Glamorgan last weekend.
Robinson’s fitness is good news, especially as England have already missed out on Ireland and Australia without fellow countryman Jofra Archer, who is out for the rest of the summer with a broken elbow.
“We all know the great energy that Jofra brings to the team,” Broad said. “During the IPL he was looking after his elbow and it obviously made him uncomfortable.
Thursday 1 June 10:00 am
“It hurts his heart and it hurts us as a team because, as cricket fans, you want to see how well they give their best.
“I was in the middle when he played Steve Smith at Lord’s (in 2019) and it was amazing to see and hear. He has a goal now to prepare for the 50-over World Cup in October. Believe me he will.”
Jofra Archer (left) played a major role in the 2019 Ashes series
Broad was also at last week’s County Championship game, with Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge – where his beloved Nottingham Forest beat Arsenal to secure Premier League safety on the road on Saturday.
“It’s one of my favorite things, playing at Trent Bridge and Forest at the City Ground. We had all the red shirts before kicking off and then he went 200 yards to see Forest secure three points and stay in the Premier League,” he added.
Nottingham Forest fan Stuart Broad feels the decision to have Steve Cooper as manager all season has paid off and says the connection between Cooper and the fans is special.
“As a fan, it has been very interesting throughout the season. I think a big credit should go to Steve Cooper and all the players who bought into the philosophy quickly and to the owners who supported Steve Cooper all the way.
“The connection between Steve and the fans is very special and we can now look forward to a summer of rebuilding to extend our stay as a Premier League club.”
Stuart Broad and James Anderson ask The Sky Sports Ashes AI Bot how to get Australia’s Steve Smith out!
Watch every Ashes match live Sky Sports. You can also follow regular videos and commentary on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. The opening of the first Exam will be held from June 16-20 onwards Sky Sports Cricket.