Former English bowler has come out and said that England should player either Joffrey Archer or Mark Wood after the duo played their first test together in Southampton. He went on to add that he feels that Broad, Woakes and Anderson are the reliable three and they should start along with one of the above-mentioned duo.
“I think Broad’s coming back in,” said Gough. “I would rest Wood and Anderson at Old Trafford and bring in Broad and Woakes. That would be my plan then, with back-to-back Test matches, you bring Anderson and Wood back [for the third Test]. I’ve said from the start – rotate Archer and Wood.”
Gough who took 229 wickets in an illustrious career spanning 9 years went on to add that Wood and Archer cannot be effective if they play every game and advised the selectors to rotate through the series.
Gough also feels that there will be changes in the batting order with the imminent return of skipper Joe Root. Joe Denly is widely believed to make way for his skipper. Gough also feels that Butler should retain his place despite some poor performances behind the tumps as well as with the bat. Butler hasn’t reached the 50-run mark in his last 12 innings. He also missed an opportunity to dismiss blackwood who went on to make a match-winning 95 to take a 1-0 lead in the 3 match series
“The Denly selection – I think he’s been a lucky boy to play the Tests he has played. I love him as a bloke, I think he’s a terrific guy,” added Gough. “But if you consider that since 2000, 47 batsmen have played for England – there’s only three with worse averages to have played 15 Tests.”
England plays their second Test match against the Windies on the 16th and will need to win to keep alive any hopes of a series victory.
