Broad and Anderson shun IPL riches for Ashes assault
SEAM duo Stuart Broad and James Anderson have turned their backs on the big-money lure of the Indian Premier League in order to help steer England into a glorious new era.
Broad, 23, seen by many as the natural successor to all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, shunned the chance to join the world’s elite in the spring of 2010 in order to focus his attentions on a hectic international calendar.
And he was joined by fellow seamer Anderson in nailing his colours to the England mast with one eye clearly on the return Ashes series in Australia next winter.
“Obviously playing for my country is a boyhood dream, and I want that to continue,” Broad explained. “It’s just how your body feels. We have four important Tests coming up in the next five weeks and then a tour of Bangladesh. It’s a decision I’ve taken to make sure I’m physically and mentally right to play for England.
“That’s not to say I won’t play in the IPL in the future. It looks very exciting. But this is a decision for 2010, and I’m happy with it.”
Anderson added: “I am proud to be playing cricket for England and my international career is more important than anything which is why I have decided not to compete in the IPL in 2010. Taking on Australia next winter is going to be a huge challenge and one that I am fully committed to.
“I want to be an integral part of the first England cricket team to retain the Ashes since 1972 and I will be giving myself the best possible chance of achieving that by not playing in the IPL. I’d like to be playing for England as much as possible.”