Stuart Broad admits England’s packed schedule over the next two months will make it a ‘big ask’ for him to feature in every Test this summer.
The wide is part of the squad to face Ireland in a one-off Test at Lord’s, starting a week on Thursday before cramming in a six-match Ashes series against Australia at the end of July.
The 36-year-old seamer – who is England’s second-highest Test wicket-taker behind team-mate James Anderson – acknowledged that some element of squad rotation, particularly among the bowlers, was inevitable.
“I try not to think too far ahead,” Broad told Sky Sports. “You just have to attack every week that comes at you but in the end, six Test games in seven weeks is a big ask.
“I can’t think of many times in my career when they come thick and fast. In Test cricket, you have to give your heart and soul to every ball when you’re on the field and that’s my commitment to the team.
“Whether that means one Test match, three Test matches or six, I will give it my all. Ultimately, as bowlers we want to be fit and fresh now but also for the last Test of the summer at the Oval.
“So it’s about managing the workload and making sure that whoever walks in the park is ready to go for that week. and making sure we have enough bowlers for six or seven weeks’ time as well.”
Broad took 574 Test wickets, more than any England bowler except James Anderson
England’s bowling department received a boost ahead of the Ireland Test when a scan gave Ollie Robinson the all-clear, despite an ankle problem forcing him out of the match in Sussex in the County Championship against Glamorgan last week.
Robinson’s fitness is good news, especially as England are now resigned to facing Ireland and Australia without his county team-mate Jofra Archer, who has been sidelined for the entire summer due to a strain. elbow fracture.
“We all know the great strength Jofra brings to the group,” said Broad. “During the IPL, he handled his elbow and it obviously made him uncomfortable.
Thursday 1st June 10:00am
“It’s devastating for him but also for us as a group because, as cricket fans, you want to see the best give their skills.
“I was in the middle of the spell when he bowled Steve Smith at Lord’s (in 2019) and it was amazing to watch and experience. He has one goal now to prepare for the 50-over World Cup in October and I absolutely. believe he will.”
Broad was also in County Championship action last weekend, featuring for Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge – as his beloved Nottingham Forest beat Arsenal to secure Premier League safety across the road on Saturday.
Jofra Archer (left) will play a key role in the 2019 Ashes series
“It was one of my favorite things, playing at Trent Bridge with Forest at the City Ground. We had everyone in red shirts before kick-off and then they went 200 yards to watch Forest get a three points and stay in the Premier League,” he added.
“As a fan, it’s been an absolute pleasure all season. I think the biggest credit has to go to Steve Cooper and all the players who bought into the philosophy very quickly and also to our he is the one who supports Steve Cooper all the way.
“The connection between Steve and the fans has been amazing and now we can look forward to a summer of rebuilding to hopefully stay as a Premier League club.”
Watch every match from the men’s and women’s Ashes live on Sky Sports. You can also follow videos and over-by-over text commentary on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. Live coverage of the first Test will be live from June 16-20 at Sky Sports Cricket.
