Broad Strauss Rest Wise

England pace bowler Stuart Broad has backed the decision to rest captain Andrew Strauss for the forthcoming tour of Bangladesh.

The call to rest the left-handed opener has drawn criticism from some quarters with Australia spin king Shan Warne recently labelling the move 'disrespectful' to Bangladesh.

Strauss' opening partner Alastair Cook will lead the side during the tour, which begins with a one-day international in Dhaka on February 28.

Despite the criticism aimed towards the England selectors, Broad is confident the decision to give Strauss a break is the right one - citing Ricky Ponting's break during Australia's tour to England last summer as an example of a successful rest.

"I really don't see why Straussy taking a rest is such a big issue to debate - for me, I think it's a wise decision," Broad told The Sun.
Character

"If we go to Australia and defend The Ashes, then it won't be mentioned again.

"In the meantime, we have to go to Dubai and Bangladesh and play so well that people aren't given anything to talk about on that front - wickets, big hundreds, that's the answer.

"We can then come home with no questions asked and Straussy can slot straight back in."

England travel to Dubai in the coming days to contest two ODIs with Pakistan before travelling on to Bangladesh, where they will play three one-dayers and two Tests.

And Broad is confident Essex opener Cook, who has never captained the national side in Test cricket, has the character to step up into the top job.

"When Alastair speaks everyone listens," added Broad.

"We're there to help Cookie on this tour too. There are no divides and people can speak up in the dressing room."