Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world and has a long history in the United Kingdom (UK). The origins of cricket go as far back as the 13th century, and it gained popularity soon after the formation of Hambledon Cricket Club in Hampshire. The club was responsible for creating the rules the way batting and bowling are done. Cricket later gained recognition and moved to London.
The sport of cricket is very popular in the UK because it’s widely followed by many people. This has ensured that the sport always received funding and clubs were formed easily. The support gained for ardent fans of the sport has ensured that cricket was able to survive through the 20th century. Eventually, 18 professional clubs were formed, with 17 in England and one in Wales.
The advent of T20 cricket and online cricket betting at the start of the 21st century has only contributed to the increasing popularity of cricket in the UK and around the world. Today, millions of people across the globe love watching their favourite players and team in action, and most of these cricket fans place bets on them. And cricket betting apps have made the betting process more easier for ardent fans of the sport.
Since the time cricket gained popularity in the UK, the team of England has seen various amazing cricketers like SF Barnes, Sir Len Hutton, Fred Trueman, Sir Ian Bothman, Kevin Pietersen, and of course Stuart Board. Stuart is best known for the hat-tricks that he took in Test cricket. The first one was against India, the second one was against Australia. Also, he is the first bowler after Ian Botham to take a 10-wicket haul at the Lord’s.
While Stuart Board has some great achievements to his name, he is likely to be dropped from the playing XI of the first Test of the three-match series against West Indies. This decision is likely to be made to make way for Jofra Archer and Mark Wood in the playing XI. There is only one spinner in England’s squad. So, the hosts would be relying on the pace attack.
As such, the authorities would likely try out the combination of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood along with James Anderson leading the attack. In that case, it will be interesting to see who gets to share the new ball with Anderson.
According to a report published in the Guardian states, Broad has the chance of missing a first home Test match in eight years as England gave preference to unleashing the dual pace of Archer and Wood.
The report further added, “With no spare batsman in this final group for Wednesday and one spinner, Dom Bess, it leaves the make-up of the seam attack as the only issue still to be debated by Chris Silverwood, the head coach, and Ben Stokes, his stand-in captain.”
Broad might miss his first test at home in eight years
In case Stuart Broad is dropped, it would be after a span of eight years that he will not be a part of England’s test 11. The last time Broad missed a Test match was in 2012 when he was rested against West Indies. One of the major reasons for dropping Broad is that England is scheduled to play six back-to-back tests – three against West Indies and Pakistan each.
As a result, the authorities can rotate the bowlers in order to keep them fresh throughout the series. “It may yet be that the management holds the more physically fragile Wood back until the second Test at Old Trafford, given a potentially bouncier surface, thus putting less onus on Stokes to bowl in Southampton during what is his first outing as captain,” the paper read.
England Test XI squad: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Rory Burns, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler(wk), Zak Crawley, Joe Denly, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.
