Former fast bowler Stuart Broad said England’s inexperienced bowling attack may have challenges after star fast bowler James Anderson’s retirement. The veteran pacer of England, Anderson, announced his decision to retire from Tests after the first match against the West Indies at Lord’s in July. Anderson, who is the highest wicket-taker among pace bowlers in Test cricket, will play his final red-ball game for England in July. Anderson has stated that the series opener against the West Indies at Lord’s on July 10–14 will be his 188th and last Test match for England after a career spanning over two decades.
Broad is concerned about Ben Stokes’ bowling options moving ahead, as Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Gus Atkinson are all potential alternatives.
Broad said, “I think exposure for some bowlers now is really important because there’s talent out there. You’ve got the likes of Matthew Potts, who has done well in Test cricket and on a Lions tour; Gus Atkinson, who has loads of great attributes; and Josh Tongue, who struggled a bit with injuries over the winter but bowled great against Ireland and Australia.”
“There’s going to certainly be a huge hole left by Jimmy Anderson that someone is going to have to step into. And not just by swinging the new ball. But by communicating, by keeping calm if the boundaries are leaking, and by tactically being aware of what field works at certain grounds, pitches, and times of test matches, Ultimately, you don’t learn that unless you’re thrown in,” he added.