ENGLAND’S preparations for the Ashes summer ahead continue to be beset by controversy – with Stuart Broad at the centre of their latest spot of bother, instead of Kevin Pietersen for once.

New England and Wales Cricket Board director Andrew Strauss has spent his first week in charge firefighting after overseeing the sacking of coach Peter Moores and then deciding there was no way back into the team after all for Pietersen.
That furore left Strauss having to explain himself many times over in a marathon round of interviews at Lord’s on Tuesday.
Three days later, it was incoming chairman Colin Graves’ turn – at the official start of his five-year tenure during the ECB’s annual general meeting, also at HQ – to account for his actions after Pietersen accused the governing body of being “incredibly deceitful”.
But the week ended with fresh intrigue, thanks to Broad’s non-attendance across London at a media event on behalf of Test match sponsors Investec on Thursday, to promote the two-Test series against New Zealand.
Broad cited illness and team-mate Ian Bell instead stepped in to take questions from the press – largely about the continued absence of Pietersen from England’s plans, resulting according to ex-Test captain Strauss from a “massive trust issue”.
The ECB insists it remains satisfied with the reason given by Broad and his advisers for his absence that he was under the weather, unless or until there is any contradictory evidence.
Reports were published, however, that he was unable to rouse himself in time because of a night out drinking.
The Daily Mail has attributed a claim that Broad did not return to his hotel until 07:00hrs to a receptionist on duty at the time.
The newspaper adds that the fast bowler spent the entire night drinking with former England players Andrew Flintoff and Matt Prior.
An ECB spokesman said: “We are aware Stuart Broad was scheduled to appear at a sponsors’ event, but was unable to, and we were told it was due to illness.”
Investec have announced Broad will instead speak to the media this afternoon. (PA Sport)