Pollock issues warning to England over Broad

Posted by Nigel Slater on Nov 3rd, 2009 in Cricket, Sport | 0 comments

Former pace bowler Shaun Pollock has warned England not to expect too much from Stuart Broad on their upcoming tour to South Africa.

There is likely to be extra attention on all-rounder Broad as England look to cope without the services of Andrew Flintoff for the first time since his retirement from Test cricket.

With Broad’s fine bowling and batting skills in his armour, there has been a lot of talk since the Ashes over whether Broad can fill the whole left by Flintoff.

But former South African legend Pollock says England must let Broad develop as a player and not to increase the burden of expectancy.

Pollock told the Sunday Mirror: “Freddie’s boots are big boots to fill. Broad needs to be given the time to develop at his own pace.”

The South African, who retired from international cricket in 2008, believes Broad needs to concentrate on his bowling first before he can move up the batting order.

“Broad needs to justify his place in the side as a bowler first. Once he’s comfortable in that role England can look to push him up the order.

“He has already shown enough to suggest he could one day develop into a genuine all-round talent. But being an alll-rounder is tough, especially in Test cricket and it takes time to feel comfortable in the role.”

England flew out to South Africa on Sunday to prepare for the Twenty20 and ODI stage of the tour and captain Andrew Strauss said Broad would be treated completely different to that of their former talisman.

Strauss said at a press conference on Saturday: “Stuart is not a like for like replacement for Flintoff anyway but he has his own set of skills, some of which are world class and some of which need work.

“We’re excited about him but the last thing I want to do is put a huge amount of expectation on his shoulders.”

England are to play their first warm up match on tour against the ‘Eagles’ on Friday.

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