(Cricket news) A few days before the 1st Ashes Test, it was confirmed that James Anderson had been rested despite being fit to be ready for the pink ball Test in Adelaide. Stuart Broad on the other hand was named in the 12 man Squad for the 1st Test.
Joe Root won the toss and surprisingly elected to bowl first before announcing another surprise by Stuart Broad from the Playing XI. This is the first time England have gone into an Ashes Test with neither James Anderson or Stuart Broad in their XI since the 2006 MCG Test. To put into perspective how different things were back then, the two teams were led by Andrew Flintoff and Ricky Ponting with the man of the match being awarded to Shane Warne.
Broad, 35 and Anderson, 39 have been absolute rocks of England cricket over the years. There were speculations that Anderson isn't fit to play but they were dismissed by vice captain Jos Buttler who said that the decision was just precautionary. Leaving Broad out was very surprising considering his record against Australia and especially David Warner who he dismissed 7 times in the 2019 series. In India earlier this year, England didn't play Broad and Anderson together in any of the four Tests.
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The only logical reason for picking Mark Wood ahead of Broad at this moment in time is the extra pace. Wood is the only England bowler who can test the speed guns with his lightning quick pace. Whether it turns out to be the right decision or not remains to be seen. England's batting was dismantled by the four Australian quicks who picked up all the 10 wickets. The movement in the air and the bounce at the Gabba is something both Broad and Anderson could have profited by. The real question is whether the relatively young line-up of Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood is able to use the conditions to their advantage.
Considering the position they are in, England would be lucky if they survive to regret their decision. After managing only 147 in the first innings, England could be staring at a heavy defeat in the very first Test. Losing the first Test would be a big blow for this English side who already have too many question marks with their batting line up. England will be lucky to avoid a loss at this point or even a heavy defeat for that matter. Root and the England management will be hoping that Anderson and Broad can come back in Adelaide to turn the screws around.
