Stuart Broad and Michael Vaughan Involved in an Ugly Spat

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan is concerned that Stuart Broad may regret his outburst over the latter’s criticism.

The 43-year old suggested that England should consider dropping either Broad or James Anderson for the match against Pakistan.

Unperturbed, Broad responded with three wickets, as did Anderson. Together they helped England bowl the tourists out for 174 on day one.

Broad was understandably furious at the remarks but telephoned Vaughan to clear the air.

Michael Vaughan, however, took potshots at Broad. This time, he wondered whether Broad’s press-conference response was wise. He also hinted that England’s strike bowler may believe that he is above criticism.

“You have to be careful in sport that comments can come back to bite you,” said Vaughan.

“I got the sense last night it was ‘You can’t criticise me. I’m Stuart Broad and I’ve been in the team for a long time’.”

According to the former player, England have yet to consolidate their fine start to the Test.

“You have got to be careful when you choose a time to come out and attack like Stuart did last night,” he added.

“England are still behind Pakistan. They haven’t won this Test match yet. The comments last night were geared as though they had won the game. He’s a senior member of the team, and I don’t think it was the right time to plan that attack.

“He should have played a nice, straight bat for a few of the questions (rather than) come out speaking like that after one good day – after having only four or five good days in their past eight or nine Tests.

“He probably went on one because the frustration has been building up.”

Fortunately, Vaughan had the decency to keep his and Broad’s phone conversation private.

“A private conversation is a private conversation, and it will remain between myself and Stuart,” he added. “(But) I just look at performances – and over the last year, they have lost eight in 15.

“It has been very comfortable for a long period of time … if the criticism over the last few days has geed them up to go out there and prove us wrong, great. It wasn’t just me who criticised them – many have, and they deserved it.”