Broad not keen to take over as England test captain

England bowler Stuart Broad is not thinking about replacing Joe Root as test captain, adding that he feels no “bitterness” towards Root after being dropped from the squad on a recent tour of the Caribbean.

Root ended his five-year tenure on Friday, saying the job had taken a heavy toll on him recently.

Broad, 35, has been touted as a short-term option to replace him, although former England captains have backed all-rounder Ben Stokes for the role.

England’s second-highest wicket-taker in tests behind James Anderson, Broad said in his Sunday newspaper column that he was focused only on returning to the squad after being dropped for the West Indies tour, which England lost 1-0.

“I am aware that my name has been touted as a potential successor to Joe as England captain and I guess that is because I am an experienced centrally contracted player who has been around the international game a long time,” Broad wrote.

“However, it is not something I have given any thought to because firstly I am not currently in possession of a shirt within the England test team and my focus is very much on changing that by taking wickets for Nottinghamshire over the next few weeks.”

“I would argue we are in a fairly unique position as far as selection for the test team goes right now in that there are only two players whose names you could write in pen on the scorecard. One of them is Joe Root, the other is Ben Stokes.”

Broad said he had been frustrated by his recent omission, but that it did not affect his relationship with Root.

“People may question my relationship with Joe given recent history but I’ve always been good at differentiating between friendship and business,” Broad added.

“From my point of view, that’s professional sport and it would never stop me enjoying a nice glass of red wine or playing a round of golf with those who came to such decisions.” (Reuters)