Broad can take England plaudits again, Bresnan faces fight for place

Stuart Broad has already proved his credentials in the first Test with the West Indies and another big impact can be expected at Trent Bridge to give England an unassailable lead in the series and maintain their spot at the head of the Test rankings.

Broad become the first Englishman since 1978 to take ten wickets in a Test match at Lord’s as he finished with 11-165 as the hosts eased to a five-wicket victory in the opening game of the three-match series.

The Nottinghamshire bowler claimed the man-of-the-match award because of his contribution and he will be expected to be among the wickets again, with the second Test being at his home ground.

However, the same cannot be said of Tim Bresnan, who may face a fight to retain his place despite continuing his winning streak in the Test team.

Bresnan is earning the tag of England’s lucky mascot as victory has been secured in all of the 12 Test matches in which he has played.

But, given that Bresnan scored 0 with the bat at Lord’s, while taking just 1-144 with the ball, he may have to wait to make it lucky 13.

The England selectors may decide to stick with an unchanged team and not break a winning formula, but Bresnan’s place was one of the most insecure before the Test, with Steven Finn, Chris Tremlett and Graham Onions all looking for an opportunity.

Tremlett and Finn are both tall like Broad and so if it is concluded that the West Indies struggle with some added bounce, they could feature.

But Onions is perhaps the greater exponent of swing and with this liable to be a factor at Trent Bridge, he could earn a rare start.

England are now 1/50 to win the Test series, but an attractive 8/11 to win 3-0.