Cricket
McGrath calls for Broad replacement
England's Stuart Broad should be dropped for the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne, according to ex-Australia bowler Glenn McGrath.
The Aussies have already reclaimed the urn after their crushing innings and 41-run victory at the WACA last time out gave the hosts an unassailable 3-0 lead, prompting speculation a 5-0 whitewash could be on the cards.
An inquest has already begun into England's failings, with many believing all-rounder Moeen Ali, who has struggled during the series with a finger injury, should make way for 20-year-old Mason Crane.
However, McGrath is of the opinion Broad, who has only taken five wickets in three matches, should be dropped for the contest in Melbourne due to his poor performances Down Under so far.
"Stuart Broad has only been bowling four-over spells for most of this Ashes series and I can't ever remember my captain telling me 'that will do' after such a short stint," he said in a column for the Daily Mail. "Something appears to be wrong with him and it's a big issue for England.
"It's a tough one for England because their two senior bowlers, Broad and Jimmy Anderson, have both played more than a hundred Tests and have taken more than 900 wickets between them, but for all Anderson's effort, they haven't looked close to taking 20 wickets in any Test here.
"No one can go on forever and when you are not doing the business anymore you have to consider what comes next, and as tough a call as it would be for England ahead of the fourth Test, maybe it is time for a bit of a change."
James Mason grew up in Northumberland so is entrenched in both the football and golf scenes. A low handicap golfer, he also follows Newcastle United and predicts big things under Rafa Benitez.
