Nasser Hussain: "I hope this isn't the end for Broad and Anderson because they deserve better"

Hussain suggested that the decision to leave the pair out of England's squad for the West Indies series showed that Sir Andrew Strauss is looking towards the future

Nasser Hussain believes Stuart Broad and James Anderson "deserved better" after their omissions from England's squad to tour West Indies.

It was announced on Tuesday evening that neither Broad, 35, nor Anderson, 39, had been selected.

The former England captain suggested interim managing director Sir Andrew Strauss was perhaps now looking at England's longer-term future, following their 4-0 loss in the Ashes.

He told Sky Sports: "I really feel for Broad and Anderson, and I hope this isn't the end because I think they deserve better.

"I was a little bit surprised. Obviously, there was talk about maybe one of them being left out, but not both, so it was a big call from Strauss.

"It looks like he has taken the long-term approach to look at what life is going to be like after them."

Hussain suggested the call was unfair based on their recent performances, having each taken more Test wickets than any other England bowler in the last two years.

In fact, in each of the last nine years one of Broad or Anderson has taken more Test wickets than any England bowler, with Anderson doing so four times and Broad five.

^{Anderson and Broad have both been left out of England's squad for the Test tour of the Caribbean (Stu Forster/Getty Images)}

England's comprehensive Ashes defeat was founded on a lack of runs, and it was roundly accepted that Broad and Anderson should have played in the first Test at Brisbane but were instead left out, saved up with the pink-ball match at Adelaide in mind.

Broad still claimed 13 wickets in three games, while Anderson has taken 372 wickets at 23.85 apiece since his 30th birthday.

Hussain said: "If their stats were dwindling then it would be a fair decision, but they're bowling as well as ever. Some opposition batsmen will be pleased that they're not on the teamsheet.

"I'd love to see them back in the summer because I know that Broad and Anderson with a point to prove are a real handful."

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Strauss stressed that the pair were not being pushed into England retirement and have been urged to ensure they are fit and firing in time for the home international summer.

"It is the start of a new cycle and it is a refresh and a reset and that dressing room will feel very different without Broad and Anderson in it over the course of the tour but I wouldn't in any way want people to think that Broad and Anderson aren't thoroughly professional in everything they do in an England shirt," he said.

"That's why they've been as successful as they have been in England colours and they've still got a lot to offer both on and off the field.

^{Hussain and Broad have worked together on Sky as pundits (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)}

"They're both very disappointed, and that doesn't surprise me; they're very passionate about playing for England. So, I hope that they understand the rationale for the decision and I hope also they understand that no one is saying this is the end of the road for either of them.

"I suppose there's a danger (they see it as moving on), but I was trying to be as clear as I can with them.

"And I suppose their job right at the moment is to get themselves fired up and ready to go for the start of the international summer in June."