Ashes: Anderson, Broad ‘fit and ready’ for 2nd Test, says coach Silverwood

England’s pace duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad are ‘fit and ready’ to play the second Ashes Test against Australia, head coach Chris Silverwood said. The two missed the Brisbane game as the visitors seemed wary of their fitness. The second Test starts on December 16 in Adelaide. 

Anderson and Broad have 1156 Test wickets between them. The two have played a key role in Joe Root and company’s success at home and overseas. 

Also read: Ashes: Australia’s Josh Hazelewood ruled out of 2nd Test with injury

“Jimmy will be fit and ready to go for the second Test, as will Stuart. They are available. Certainly, from an experience point of view, with the bowlers we’ve got heaps of experience so I’m happy with that,” England coach Chris Silverwood was quoted by ESPNcricinfo. 

Also read: Wanted variation: Root defends team selection, toss decision for Ashes opener

The second game is going to be a day/night aka pink ball Test. 

“The guys have already been training with the pink ball behind the scenes. And what we have got is a very skillful set of bowlers. We have talent and we still have two of the best up our sleeve as well,” said Silverwood.

Also read: Wanted variation: Root defends team selection, toss decision for Ashes opener

The coach further admitted that Stuart Broad was disappointed to miss the first game. 

“Stuart has been great, to be honest. Obviously, he was disappointed not to be playing but he understood that this is a long series. Everybody will put their hand up to do the hard work out there and he is ready to do that now. We had good conversations with Stuart before any decisions were made and he was 100% on board.”

“I’ve not told anyone they are playing yet. We will have some sore bodies from this Test and we’ll make decisions from there,” he added.