Steve Smith surprised by Stuart Broad omissions

Broad, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2019 series between the countries, has only featured at Adelaide so far

Steve Smith has admitted to being "a bit surprised" by the absence of Stuart Broad from England's side for the Ashes Tests in Brisbane and Melbourne.

Broad, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in the series when these two countries last met in 2019, has only played once this time around – at Adelaide – where England lost by 275 runs and he claimed just two wickets.

David Warner, whom Broad dismissed seven times during the return series two years ago, has already expressed his shock at Broad's omission – especially from the first Test, where England went in for just the third time in 169 matches without either Broad or James Anderson. Ricky Ponting described that decision as "staggering".

Instead, Warner was able to begin his series without much drama, making 94 at the Gabba.

"We have been a bit surprised," said Smith. "Two wickets that would have suited him pretty well."

Broad agreed with that sentiment, writing in his Daily Mail column: "As a wobble-seam bowler, I feel as though I missed out on two of the best wobble-seam pitches in Australia. Only playing once has made this a very disappointing trip, one that has not met my personal expectations.

^{Broad has taken just two wickets so far in this Ashes series (Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)}

"The biggest frustration is losing the Ashes, being 3-0 down and feeling like I've not really done anything. Not being able to influence a series while it's live is tough."

Broad's record in 2021, however, has led to question-marks around his future: he has averaged 39.5 this year, having taken 38 wickets at 14.76 apiece in 2020. With the old ball, his average in 2021 has leapt to 87. Away from home this year, including in India and Sri Lanka where conditions were not often favourable, he has averaged 42.4.

"He bowled well in Adelaide," Smith added. "He's always been a good contest for me. He's got me out quite few times, I've scored some runs off him, so it's been a decent battle."

Indeed, in Test cricket, Broad has only dismissed Warner, Michael Clarke, Ross Taylor and AB de Villiers more often than the eight times he has accounted for Smith.

"Him and Jimmy together are two world class performers," said Smith. "They have been for a long time. Maybe we'll see them out here together this week, I'm not sure."

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