Stuart Broad, a speed bowler for England, criticized the “characterless and soulless” Edgbaston ground following the second day of the first Ashes Test against Australia. Broad was the most effective of England’s bowlers, claiming the wickets of David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne with consecutive deliveries. With left-handed opener Khawaja 126 not out, Australia rallied to 311-5 at stumps on the second day, 82 runs behind England’s first-innings 393-8 declared.
How should I respond politely to this sales pitch? This low, sluggish surface saps the ball’s vitality. Broad told the BBC, “You can only judge a surface towards the conclusion of the match and watch how it develops. So far, it has been fairly characterless, pretty soulless.
Broad said the deck was “one of the slowest” he’s seen, and he hoped it wouldn’t stay that way for the rest of the games.
I have bowled on slower wickets in England, but this one takes the cake.”I’m hoping this isn’t a pattern for the rest of the series,” he continued.
Replays showed that Broad had overstepped when he bowled out Khawaja on ball 112.
I’m not really a huge no-ball bowler,” Broad said when asked about his no-ball. I’ve bowled more today than on any previous day of a Test match combined. This can’t be an excuse. But you’re trying to get a boost from the ground and you could be pushing yourself a little too hard since it’s the opening innings of an Ashes Test match and you’re feeling some strong emotions.
