Durban, Dec 25 (IANS) Pacer Stuart Broad is ready to lead England’s attack in the Boxing Day (December 26) Test here against South Africa after James Anderson was ruled out through injury, although the latter may still play an important off-field role.
Anderson is England’s leading Test wicket taker and, although a calf problem will prevent him featuring in Durban, he is ready to offer advice to Broad and the other front-line seamers.
“He’s already announced himself as assistant bowling coach to Ottis Gibson,” said Broad on Friday.
“He’s very keen to share his wealth of experience. We haven’t toured here for six years – a long gap – and I don’t know how good his memory is but he will be able to help whoever takes the new ball.”
“Jimmy said when he missed a game in the Ashes that you see the game differently from the changing room to the middle, so having that experience to feed back into the group will help,” he added.
Broad took 8-15 to rip through Australia last time Anderson failed a fitness test.
And the 29-year-old is ready to step up and lead the attack once more.
“Jimmy’s disappointed but with the strength in depth we’ve got in this group it’s not a hammer blow to us,” added Broad.