Broadside: Broad Slams India's Team Choices After Headingley Test, Calls for Edgbaston XI Changes

Thursday - 26/06/2025 15:50

Stuart Broad analyzed India's recent Test defeat. He thinks India's team selection was wrong. Broad suggested Kuldeep Yadav should have played. He also mentioned Arshdeep Singh could offer a different angle. Broad advised against panicking after one loss. India needs minor adjustments, not major changes. The second Test is scheduled for July 2 at Edgbaston.

Broadside: Broad Criticizes India's Team Selection After Headingley Defeat

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has voiced his concerns regarding India's team selection following their five-wicket loss in the first Test at Headingley. Broad believes that the team's composition may have contributed to the defeat and suggests a couple of changes for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston.

Stuart Broad discussing tactics with Morne Morkel during the Headingley Test

Speaking on his podcast "For the Love of Cricket" with Jos Buttler, Broad stated that India missed a trick by not including Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. He argued that the Headingley pitch, especially on the final two days, offered conditions suitable for wrist spin. "I think they got their team selection wrong, if I'm honest," Broad said. "Kuldeep Yadav should have played instead of Shardul Thakur. Especially with the kind of pitch and England's known struggle against wrist spin, Kuldeep could have made a big difference."

Broad also highlighted the lack of variety in India's bowling attack, particularly in the second innings, and suggested the inclusion of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. This suggestion comes amidst reports that Jasprit Bumrah might be rested for the second Test in Birmingham.

"If Bumrah is going to be rested at Edgbaston, I’d be tempted to bring in Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm angle and his ability to swing the ball early on could offer something different to India's bowling attack," he added. He further commented, "While Prasidh Krishna improved in the second innings, the attack overall lacked control and wicket-taking threat.”

Despite the loss, Broad urged the Indian team management to remain calm and avoid making drastic changes based on a single defeat. "It's not panic stations. You can't afford to rip up plans after one loss. India were in control for most of the Test, and just need a few tweaks rather than wholesale changes," he concluded.

India is set to face England in the second Test at Edgbaston starting on July 2nd. Team selection and strategy will be crucial as India looks to bounce back from their Headingley setback.

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