England have had a disappointing Ashes 2021-22 so far with three consecutive defeats. The comprehensive defeats have raised questions over the selection blunders made by the visitors. Veteran fast bowler Stuart Broad was made to sit out of first Test in Brisbane and third Test in Melbourne. After the snub in two Tests, Broad has expressed his disappointment as he feels he would have utilised conditions better on the two venues.
“As a wobble-seam bowler, I feel as though I missed out on two of the best wobble-seam pitches in Australia,” Broad wrote in the Daily Mail. “Only playing once has made this a very disappointing trip, one that has not met my personal expectations.
“The biggest frustration is losing the Ashes, being 3-0 down and feeling like I've not really done anything. Not being able, as an experienced player, to influence a series while it's live is tough.
“I would argue that I won't get a better chance to take wickets than at Brisbane and Melbourne.”
The 35-year-old got his only chance to play on the tour in the Adelaide Test. Playing in his 150th Test, he took one wicket in each innings on a pitch that was least bowling-friendly out of the three.
With fourth Test to be played in Sydney, Broad hopes that he gets a chance to play. With England delivering one dismal performance after another in the ongoing Ashes, Broad feels that the tour has taken a toll on their mental health.
“This tour has taken its toll on all of us. Without sounding like [I'm] making excuses, we may be at the end of our mental tether with Covid. We are the only team that has played solid international cricket throughout the pandemic,” he further wrote.
Despite the two snubs, Broad is still positive about his future in red-ball cricket and does not wish to take an emotional decision and retire. While the series has already been lost, England will look to register their first Test win on Australia soil since 2011. Coincidentally, their last Test win in Australia came at the Sydney Cricket Ground as well.
