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I don't want ODI captaincy, Strauss must keep it - Broad

ESPN staff
April 13, 2011
Stuart Broad still believes Andrew Strauss is the best leader for England © Getty Images
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England all-rounder Stuart Broad has played down suggestions he could be England's next one-day captain, insisting he hopes that Andrew Strauss continues in the role.

Former international captain Michael Vaughan tipped the Nottinghamshire man to be the next ODI captain following England's World Cup quarter-final exit, should Strauss step down from the role as is expected in some quarters.

While flattered that someone of Vaughan's standing should believe him to be suitable for the role, Broad believes the best thing for the side would be for Strauss - who has been given a six-week break from the game after an exhausting winter - to continue as leader.

"It's a huge compliment to have the most successful England captain suggest that you have got the character to do something like that," Broad said. "My personal belief is that Straussy should keep going with the job. He has done a fantastic job over the last couple of years when he has been captain and he is one of our best one-day batsmen. It would be a real shame if he decided he couldn't play one-day cricket any more.

"Hopefully he will continue. He has certainly got the backing of the whole changing room."

Broad has endured a difficult time with injuries of late, with both his Ashes tour and subsequent World Cup campaign derailed by two unfortunate injuries. With the county championship now underway, the 24-year-old believes he is finally over the mental and physical damage of the problems.

"Time is a great healer," he said. "When I was ruled out of the Ashes I was heartbroken. I knew I was in big trouble when I came off the pitch at Adelaide. The scan just proved that it was a complete tear [of a stomach muscle]. It took me weeks to get over the disappointment of it.

"The second injury [a side strain] was a bit frustrating, It didn't feel as severe as the tear but it was enough for me not to bowl. The World Cup was frustrating."

There has been good news for the former Leicestershire player, however, as he agreed a three-year contract extension with his current county - which will only come into effect if he loses his ECB central contract.

"We fully expect Stuart will maintain his England place for years to come but this re-affirms his commitment to us," Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell said. "We knew he was in the England selectors' thoughts when we signed him in 2008. Although his county appearances have been limited, he has always performed exceptionally well when he's turned out for us."

Broad's team-mate for both club and country, Graeme Swann, is also looking forward to a return at the domestic level - and hopes to hit the ground running after seeing fellow spinner Adil Rashid open his campaign with 11 wickets in Yorkshire's victory over Worcestershire.

"It's good when people are pushing you from behind," Swann said. "It makes you work that bit harder to stay there."

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