Stuart Broad shares embarrassing moment with Glenn McGrath before Gabba Test

England pacer Stuart Broad has shared his awkward experience with legendary Australian bowler Glenn McGrath during the first Ashes Test in Brisbane. Broad was not included in the playing XI as England opted to go in with Mark Wood, Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson. However, McGrath thought that Broad is playing the first Ashes Test and congratulated him for reaching the milestone of the 150th Test.

However, Broad told McGrath that he was not in the playing XI. He described it as an ‘awkward moment’, one that got him embarrassed. "Despite the disappointment, I did see the funny side of things when seconds before the toss, Glenn McGrath approached me and shook my hand between high catches I was practising on the outfield. ‘Congratulations on 150, mate, it's a special effort, have a great game,' he said. I thanked him but had to tell him I wasn't in. An awkward moment but one which raised an embarrassed smile and a chuckle" wrote Stuart Broad in his column for The Daily Mail on Sunday.

Broad was disappointed after being overlooked in Brisbane and felt he could have used the conditions to England's advantage. The seamer though feels that it's a long series and it'll be difficult for the bowlers to play all five Tests. The pacer remains optimistic about getting a chance in the coming games.

"Of course, I was disappointed not to play but I also realise this series is a marathon and not a sprint. Never have five Test matches been as bunched up as this and it will be exhausting, so realistically I don't think any seamer will play all five. It would be wrong in this scenario to kick up a stink. On the flip side, I love Ashes cricket, love bowling at the Gabba, and feel like I could've had a positive influence on a pitch like that," he added.