Pace maestro Stuart Broad has been appointed as England’s Vice Captain for the two-match Test series against New Zealand, which is set to begin on Wednesday. The development comes after the absence of former Vice-Captain Ben Stokes, who had been sidelined due to an injury sustained during a match in IPL 2021, while Eoin Morgan’s deputy in limited-overs format Jos Buttler has been rested following his stint in the IPL.
Despite the veteran pacer James Anderson also featuring in the squad, who has had the experience of filling in the role of Vice-Captain in Test Cricket, the board opted for Broad. Having led the England side as a captain for 30 matches in the limited format, this will officially be his first stint in a leadership role in a Test match.
Our vice-captain for #ENGvNZ 🏏@StuartBroad8 👏 pic.twitter.com/emItKObWQX
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 1, 2021
While commenting on this appointment, England skipper Joe Root spoke glowingly about Bropad. He was delighted that the role was given to him as the experienced bowler has a very good cricket brain.
“He’s at real peace with his game at the minute. He’s an integral part as a senior player, and very much a leader within that bowling group. I’m really pleased for him, and it’s a great opportunity for him to take that on.”
Previously, Broad was explicit with his emotions of anger and dismay after he was controversially dropped out of the first Test of the English summer last year against West Indies. However, after his phenomenal display by taking 29 wickets and crossing the 500 wicket mark in the last five games of the summer, he proved his worth by ensuring his place in the playing XI.
Although Root did not reveal about the squad lineup, he did mention that James Bracey will be making his debut as a wicketkeeper-batsman. England will face New Zealand at Lords in the first test on Wednesday. New Zealand will be looking to gain momentum before the World Test Championship final against India on June 18.