Stuart Broad happy Ali and Finn are in England's Ashes squad
Thursday 2 July 2015 17:43, UK
Stuart Broad has backed the selections of Adil Rashid and Steven Finn in the England squad for the first Investec Ashes Test in Cardiff next Wednesday.
Yorkshire spinner Rashid was included in the 13-man group for the match at Sophia Gardens this week and will compete with Moeen Ali to be the team’s front-line spinner.
While Ali is more established at the highest level, Rashid’s County Championship averages are notably better.
Nottinghamshire’s Broad is pleased he has been picked along with Finn, who is back after a two-year absence from test cricket.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: “We’ve seen the success he (Rashid) has had with the white ball this summer so far.
“He is back bowling with a bit of pace and he always gets that movement on the ball, even on flat wickets.
The key is Australia know they’re in a battle and we’re going to be competitive and be ruthless.
“It’s always good when you can call a six foot seven bloke who rolls 99 an hour into your squad and Steve will be looking to add to his Test caps for sure.
“No one really knows what to expect from the wicket until they’ve seen it and seen it in the days leading up. I think it’s wise from the selectors having all bases covered leading into this first Test.”
England are looking to get The Ashes back after being whitewashed 5-0 in the last series 18 months ago.
Broad added: “The key is Australia know they’re in a battle and we’re going to be competitive and be ruthless when we get a chance.
“As a team, we’ve said we want to play with a smile on our faces. We know that’s how we play our best cricket.
“It’s what we’ve done since we were seven years old and Australia need to know we’re in for the battle and we won’t be backing down.”
