London, Feb. 12 : England fast bowler Stuart Broad has said that captain Andrew Strauss has been wise to skip the team’s tour to Bangladesh, and is staggered by the criticism coming the latter’s way.

Strauss opted out claiming he needs a rest ahead of the domestic summer, an Ashes campaign in Australia and World Cup bid next year.

But while some feel the break makes sense, it has been slammed in other quarters for setting a dangerous precedent when it comes to cherry-picking matches.

Shane Warne has had a pop at Strauss, claiming no Australian skipper would ever consider ducking out of a tour.

But England fast bowler Broad reckons Ricky Ponting''s post-Ashes break proves resting the skipper can have its benefits.

He told Sun Sport: "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.

"Ricky Ponting went straight home after we beat Australia in the Tests and missed the first part of the one-day series.

"But he came back, completed a 6-1 win in the one-dayers and then went on to lift the Champions Trophy in South Africa.

"In that instance, his break was seen as a great thing and one of the main reasons why they won it.

"So, if we go to Australia and defend The Ashes, then it won''t be mentioned again. (ANI)