Saker believes Broad finds it difficult bowling in different conditions

England bowling coach David Saker has admitted that pace bowler Stuart Broad’s fitness will be a major concern for the entire national team since he has the ability to be a game-changer.

Broad failed to pick up a single wicket throughout the first two Tests against India before being ruled out for the final two after re-aggravating a heel injury he sustained shortly prior to the start of the first Test.

“It is a bit of an issue,” Saker said. “He has not bowled as we would have liked. But he’s not the first bowler to come over here and find it hard.”

Saker noted that Broad needed to learn to adapt to different conditions and find a way to boost his confidence in order for his wicket tally to continue rising.

“Stuart’s not a great, yet,” Saker added. “He has to learn ways to become great, if he gets the next Test he has to be ready for it. During my tenure as bowling coach, I haven’t had too many players down in confidence and form. I hope I can do some stuff over the next few days that can help.”

However, Saker stated that seamer Steven Finn would always be the “x-factor” during Test matches since he gets serious pace and bounce from most surfaces around the world.

“He’s got that x-factor, a bit of pace, that height that always means you could get variable bounce over here – so his name will be bandied around for sure for that second seamer’s spot,” Saker said.

But, Finn himself battled through a thigh injury during the four-Test series against India and Saker mentioned that he must be fully fit by the start of the next series.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed he gets through, number one; if he gets through unscathed and bowls well, his name will definitely be talked about for selection,” Saker said. “We were really confident he’d be right for this Test, so I’m not sure.

“I’ve just got my fingers crossed he gets through; if he does, we can make a decision. We’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves. We want to make sure he gets through his three or four spells and gets some rhythm. Then his name will come up.”

However, even if Finn or Broad are not at full capacity by the start of the next Test series, England can always turn to Graham Onions or Stuart Meaker, both of whom have been eagerly awaiting for their opportunity to shine.