Stuart Broad: It would be pathetic to hold grudge over West Indies omission

Stuart Broad was happy to renew his old pals’ act with Joe Root at Lord’s last week, claiming it would have been “pathetic” to hold a grudge after being axed for England’s tour of the West Indies.

The five-wicket victory over New Zealand marked the 100th occasion the pair have played Test cricket together over nine years, with both men playing significant parts in the win.

Root was named player of the match for an outstanding unbeaten century in the fourth innings, completing a chase that may not have been possible without Broad’s game-changing new-ball spell on day three.

Yet, just three months ago an England side captained by Root had landed in Antigua with Broad and his long-term bowling partner James Anderson, the country’s two most prolific wicket-takers, nowhere to be seen.

The pair had been dropped in the aftermath of Australia’s 4-0 Ashes win, a move seemingly initiated by interim managing director Sir Andrew Strauss but with the blessing of Root as captain.

That gamble backfired, with Root stepping down after a 1-0 series defeat to pave the way for Ben Stokes’ promotion. Stokes made recalling the veteran seamers a top priority and Broad insisted there was no hard feelings with the former skipper.

“Not at all, Joe and I are great friends,” he said.

I've always been someone who can distinguish between business and pleasure. I can't fall out with someone because they don't pick me in a team, that would be a bit pathetic.-

“I’ve always been someone who can distinguish between business and pleasure. I can’t fall out with someone because they don’t pick me in a team, that would be a bit pathetic.

“Joe and I spoke at length when he stood down as captain and I said to him how much he had meant to me as a captain, and