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Stuart Broad says England are crying out for extra seamers, and the time to blood them is now, with more than a year to go until the Cricket World Cup.
Three days after taking India to the top of the T20 world rankings, England’s ODI struggle opened with a massive six-wicket loss to the number one-ranked ODI team at Edgbaston.
Harry Brook’s side are eighth in the standings, their sixth straight defeat to India making it 14 of their last 20 matches.
“England are ranked eighth in the world and they are playing eighth,” Broad said. Sky Sports Cricket. “Their players need to get more experience in the role.”
Joe Root’s unbeaten 76 and Liam Dawson’s maiden ODI half-century saved England from 80-5 to set India 259 to win after a top-order collapse.
That target ultimately proved too light, but the visitors recovered after losing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the space of six balls.
Shubman Gill’s brilliant 75-ball 80 before retiring did much of the damage as India broke the early England salvo with Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue bowling 13 as the only recognized quicks in the first 16 overs.
Should England add another pacer to their ODI squad to ease the pressure on Jofra Archer?
England’s lack of options to ease the pressure on archer, jive and spinner Adil Rashid is an area Broad believes needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“After the loss at Edgbaston, there might be a shift in mentality towards playing another seam,” he added.
“Looking at the next World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, it’s going to be the faster, taller bowlers who do the damage there.
“Given the make-up and balance of this side with Rashid, Liam Dawson and Will Jacks, along with part-time spin options of Jacob Bethel and Joe Root, I would lean towards playing an extra seamer rather than a spinner as it gives that bowler experience and exposure to match conditions.
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A crowd member fell on Akshar Patel’s six for India and spilled their drinks trying to take a catch from the stands.
“Taking 10 wickets in an ODI, especially in that middle period, is tough. I look at Archer – he’s a natural wicket-taker, the best white-ball bowler we have. Jihwa can take wickets. Rashid can take wickets. But I think England need another fast bowler to back up that group.
“Sam Curran is a very good cricketer, but he is not a first-change seam bowler. England need someone to come in the middle overs, bowl bouncers and seamers, and take the outside edge, so they don’t have to go to Archer all the time.
“Could it be Brydon Carrs, Gus Atkinson or Shakib Mahmood? England need to start trials now.”
England vs India Result and Game Play
All times UK and Ireland, All games are live on Sky Sports
- First ODI (Edgbaston – India won by six wickets
- 2nd ODI (Cardiff) – Thursday 16th July (1pm)
- 3rd ODI (Lord’s) – Sunday 19th July (11am)
