The England bowler was refused permission to play for Nottinghamshire this week but with fast bowlers caution is understandable
The 21st-century revival of England’s Test team has much to do with the advent of central contracts. They were introduced in 2000 to the universal relief of the England players and their coaches; there was some grumpiness around the counties but at least they were spared some significant wages. As has been clear this April, the counties have never been averse to what is effectively a handout.
But there are occasions when the central contract system is a source of exasperation. And this is one of them. Stuart Broad was very keen to play against Durham on Friday; his county, Nottinghamshire, now a second division team, were very keen to have him in the XI. But the director of England cricket, Andrew Strauss, has decreed that Broad must stick to the original ECB plan, which had him missing this game.
Related: Stuart Broad’s request to play against Durham knocked back by ECB
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