'Can't fall out with someone if they don't pick me, that'd be pathetic' - Stuart Broad opens up on relationship with Joe Root

England pacer Stuart Broad made an excellent return to the England side after being axed from the squad during the England tour of the West Indies. To note, Broad scalped a total of four wickets in the first Test against New Zealand and played a vital role in his team’s victory over the Kiwis who lost the contest by a margin of five wickets.

The senior pacer has now opened up about his relationship with Joe Root who was captaining the England side during the West Indies tour and said that it would have been “pathetic” to hold a grudge against anyone after being dropped from the squad.

Joe and I are great friends: Stuart Broad

“Not at all, Joe and I are great friends. I’ve always been someone who can distinguish between business and pleasure. I can’t fall out with someone because they don’t pick me in a team, that would be a bit pathetic,” Broad was quoted by the Cricket Paper.

“Joe and I spoke at length when he stood down as captain and I said to him how much he had meant to me as a captain, and what a privilege it was playing under him. I told him I hope he really enjoys the next few years, all that pressure has gone now, he’s already a legend of the game, so he can just go out there and enjoy it. Joe has proven his class already but he just keeps doing it,” he added.

Talking about Broad’s numbers in Test cricket, the right-arm pacer has played 153 matches and has scalped a total of 541 wickets at a decent average of 27.82. He has also taken 19 five-wicket hauls. Meanwhile, the Three Lions will take on New Zealand in the second Test match of the three-match series. The encounter will be played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham from June 10 (Friday).