Stuart Broad eyes Pakistan series for comeback

England T20 captain Stuart Broad (L) who is out of action due to shoulder injury is expected to prove his fitness for the upcoming series with Pakistan in January © Getty Images

By CricketCountry Staff

London: Sep 25, 2011

England fast bowler Stuart Broad considers himself as the leader of the T20 team despite missing part of the key build-up to next year's World Cup through injury.

Broad, who sustained a shoulder injury in the ODI series against India, was earlier ruled out of the two Twenty20 games against West Indies. He is also likely to miss the one-off T20 against India on October 29.

Broad was quoted in Daily Express as saying, "Just being around the squad has helped. I've been observing the new guys and trying to get to know them better and talk about certain tactics. But I haven't encroached on Swanny's space."

"It was important he set out what he wanted to do, but it is along the same sort of lines that our Twenty20 team is building towards September next year," he added.

"It’s important now that I get myself in fantastic shape before January and make sure I play a full part in the couple of years coming up, because it is a heavy schedule.

"The only bright side I can look at is that I have a three-month gap to get myself in great nick – and fully rested – to cope with all the cricket that’s coming up."

Broad was also delighted by the progress shown by the newcomers, Jos Butler and Jonny Bairstow. He said, "With the likes of Bairstow and Buttler, who batted really well the other day, it’s looking fantastic."

Broad is expected to prove his fitness for the upcoming series with Pakistan in January.