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Stuart Broad's matchwinning display with bat and ball in the fourth ODI against India at Old Trafford has clearly marked him out as a star of the future, but according to his father - the former England opening batsman and current ICC match referee, Chris - the selectors must avoid getting too carried away too soon.
England's Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka in December is set to be announced in the coming weeks, but Broad Sr believes that his son, 21, should not be included for a six-week trip that is recognised as one of the most arduous on the international circuit.
"We don't want to get too carried away or look too far ahead," said Chris Broad. "We just want to enjoy the moment. If you start expecting him to get runs and wickets all at the same time, it's a lot to ask of a 21-year-old."
"If you look at the Test bowlers, Harmison, Hoggard and Flintoff are still much ahead of him at the moment," said Broad. "Would you take a young bowler on a tour like that to carry the drinks? I think he's better off playing."
"I believe there's an Academy or A tour to India," he added. "[Stuart] might be better off going on that - and maybe saving him for the Tests in New Zealand early next year where conditions are similar to here."[/quote:ee723]
Chris Broad has a history of intervening, through atleast words of caution and advice, in his son's career. I remember him criticizing England's bowling coach a while back on how Stuart was being trained. But, he might have a fair point here, that is, arguing against unnecessary and unwarranted pressure on the young player after his performance with both the ball and the bat in the 4th ODI. Still, I would want to see him travel to possibly get some experience on those pitches, even if he doesn't play.