Picture Credit: Twitter/@ECB
As England get set to kick-off their highly-anticipated international summer against New Zealand on Wednesday (June 2), they have finally announced Joe Root's deputy for the two-match Test series. After vice-captain Ben Stokes was ruled out of this series due to a finger injury, there were question marks over his replacement. However, all the doubts have been put to rest a day before the start of the Lord's Test.
Stuart Broad is the new Test vice-captain
England Cricket confirmed the appointment of veteran pacer Stuart Broad as their new vice-captain for the Tests against Kiwis in absence of Ben Stokes. The 34-year-old is one of England's most experienced and consistent performers over the years, having taken 517 wickets in 146 Tests for the national team.
Considering the seniority, it was always going to be a tussle between Stuart Broad and James Anderson for the vacant spot of Joe Root's deputy. However, it seems like that the experience of leading the England side before in 3 ODIs and 27 T20Is (2011-2014) worked in favour of Stuart Broad.
James Bracey set to make his Test debut at Lord's
Apart from confirming the appointment of Stuart Broad as his deputy, England skipper Joe Root also revealed that Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey will make his debut in the first Test against New Zealand. With Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow rested and Ben Foakes injured, the 24-year-old gets an opportunity as a reward for his consistent performances in the County Championship this season. Although he bats in the top three for his domestic side, he is expected to bat at No. 7 for England in the first Test. It would be a wonderful moment for the youngster to debut in front of an expected crowd of around 7,500 people at the home of cricket.