My tweet was innocent - Broad

Broad found himself at the centre of a social media storm on Tuesday evening when he dipped a toe into the world of global socio-economics, only to find his input was not universally welcome.

Broad's tweet, which was later deleted, read: "I've heard if you earn minimum wage in England you're in the top 10 per cent earners in the World. #stay #humble."

He later apologised for any offence taken in two subsequent messages, but not before drawing heavy criticism from commenters, many taking issue with his own elevated financial position.

Others interpreted his unusual tweet as an attempted riposte to Pietersen, who last week called for "muppets" in county cricket who earn "18 grand, 15 grand" to find alternative employment.

Broad described Pietersen's claims as "misguided" but was keen to stress there was no hidden meaning to his own words.

Asked if they were a response to Pietersen's comments, Broad said: "No. To back him up a little bit he does use that word (muppet) a little bit, even about himself sometimes.

"(But) it's a very important role in cricket, that development role, no one's going to start on big wages or top wages, you have to earn your stripes.

"I think that (£15k-£18k) is actually below the minimum cap anyway so he's a bit off the mark.

"I don't think he meant any offence but (was) just a little bit misguided."

Broad reiterated his earlier Twitter clarification regarding his minimum wage comments, offering one of the more unlikely explanations - planet size - likely to be heard in sport this year.

"I was genuinely fascinated by the size of the world," he said.

"It was genuinely innocent, sorry to offend anyone if anyone did take offence to it."