Saturday 10th January 2009
Broad: Strauss can restore harmony
Stuart Broad believes Andrew Strauss has the character to rebuild any broken bridges in the England dressing room.
Opening batsman Strauss, 31, was appointed limited-overs captain on Friday, two days after accepting the role of Test captain following the resignation of Kevin Pietersen.
Broad told PA Sport: "Andrew is a team man, but most people in the England dressing room are team men, so I don't think it'll be too difficult to get team unity back."
He added: "He's not in your face. He lets you choose your own fields, with his input. I'm looking forward to playing under him, as I did under Kev."
Following the sacking of Peter Moores, assistant coach Andy Flower will support Strauss in the West Indies.
It means that England will not have a full-time coach in place for the tour, which includes four Tests, one Twenty20 international and five ODIs.
Broad, who already has three Test half-centuries to his name, credits Flower with much of his improvement as a batsman.
He believes Flower, a former Zimbabwe captain and formidable wicketkeeper-batsman, is perfectly placed to guide England through a tricky period.
"He's a very relaxed man and I'm sure he won't let it phase him," said Broad. "I can't praise him enough for the work and time he's put in with me.
"It's been helpful in that he was a left-hander. He's been instrumental in my development as a batsman."
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