Brutal axing of Anderson and Broad hints at issues beyond diminishing returns alone

As England’s most successful ever bowlers the case for taking James Anderson and Stuart Broad on tour to the West Indies later this month was compelling.

Less convincing was the case for jettisoning them, yet that was the course of action taken by Andrew Strauss, the interim director of England cricket.

Strauss is a thoughtful and sensible man but this decision, made in concert with Paul Collingwood, the acting head coach, and James Taylor, the head scout, has angered more than it has persuaded. Both Anderson (39) and Broad (35) are old in fast-bowling terms, but were Strauss and Co right to do what they did when the pair remain among the top five bowlers in the country?

Strauss’ argument seems to be that blooding new players will give the incoming coach and team director, two appointments to be made before the summer, more information. It is a valid point though some think by looking to the future with these selections Strauss is over-stepping his remit as a temporary appointment himself. In other words, he should stick not twist.

Strauss also said he wants other players to step up and take the leadership roles vacated by Anderson and Broad, which sounds (and this interpretation is from the sidelines) as if captain Joe Root had a frustrating relationship with his senior bowlers in Australia. Without their expertise to call upon in the Caribbean, Root’s captaincy will be judged free of their input — which means no hiding place for him and vice-captain, Ben Stokes.

I must say I was surprised to hear Broad had been dropped, less so Anderson despite the latter topping England’s bowling averages in the recent Ashes debacle. To be bowling as well as he does just shy of 40, Anderson is a marvel. But in Australia he had become