England riding on Broad’s heroics did well to regain the Wisden Trophy they lost in the Caribbean last year. But probably it also learnt a dear lesson —suffering the ignominy of a four-wicket loss in the first Test for having left the star performer from the line-up (“Stuart Broad takes 500 Test wickets as England seal West Indies series win,” July 29, Gulf Today).

Broad showed his mettle on his return, helping his side not only bring back the trophy but in  the process also etched his name in cricket’s most exclusive clubs taking his 500th Test wicket at Old Trafford. It was unusual in the way he achieved the feat, though. The Man-of-the-match Broad who playing in his 140th Test, had been stranded on 499 wickets when, after he had already taken eight in this match, rain washed out the whole of fourth day play. The final day was his day to reach the 500-mark when a full-length ball struck Brathwaite’s back pad. Some achievement there in the time of coronavirus.

Ralph R — By email