• The Ashes

Flower has man in mind to replace Broad

ESPN staff
December 8, 2010
Stuart Broad will be a spectator for the remainder of the tour © Getty Images
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England coach Andy Flower has indicated he has a favourite in mind to replace the injured Stuart Broad for third Test with Australia in Perth.

Broad's Tour has been cut short by a torn stomach muscle and it is likely to be a three-way battle Ajmal Shahzad, Chris Tremlett and Tim Bresnan for the slot in the team. The WACA wicket is historically bouncy and this has seen Tremlett put forward as the man in the frame. All three will get the chance to shine in a tour match against Victoria and although a decision will be made after that game, Flower is already leaning towards one player.

"You don't judge people on one performance," Flower said. "Obviously, we have ideas in mind who would replace Broad. But we will get 270 overs of viewing our potential replacement, and I'd prefer to emphasise some of the qualities of whoever takes his place, rather than that person to be another Stuart Broad. They are individuals with their own qualities that should be celebrated, and used.

"It's really unlucky [for Stuart], because he's been an integral part of our side and our relative successes over the last couple of years. It's not good for him; it's not good for the side, but these things happen. We weren't totally naive in thinking we'd get through the whole Test series without injuries to any of our quicks, and we thought it was a priority to get some of our back-up quicks into good nick. They had a good run-out in Hobart; they'll get another one here against the Vics - and you've got to factor these things in."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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