Confidence boost for Broad ahead of Headingley Test
England coach Andy Flower has suggested Stuart Broad will be in the side for the fourth Ashes Test at Headingley despite his disappointing bowling figures.
The Nottinghamshire seamer has struggled to impress with the ball in the Ashes so far, taking six wickets at a cost of 57.50 apiece, but he has proved valuable more valuable with the bat, hitting 55 at Edgbaston to take his average in the series to 26.
England have named a 14-man squad for Headingley that includes batsman Jonathan Trott as well as bowlers Steve Harmison and Ryan Sidebottom and, while much depends on the fitness of Andrew Flintoff, some believe Broad could be left out.
However, Flower has given his full backing to the 23-year-old and says the statistics do not do justice to his bowling contribution.
"He has handled everything that international cricket has thrown at him incredibly well since he came in," he said.
"I think he is a fantastic young cricketer now and he is going to be even better as he progresses and as the team progresses.
"Yes, he has had a quiet series with the ball but he has chipped in every now and then and he is part of that five-man attack and that attack has to dovetail a little.
"It's not always you taking all the wickets. Sometimes it is you that has to build up the pressure - sometimes you are the man missing out on the wickets and the kudos.
"I am very happy with Stuart. He is a great competitor who is learning about bowling and batting in the best arena possible and he is doing very well."
