Stuart Broad hailed his exploits with ball in hand in the fourth Ashes test as ‘pretty incredible’ after destroying the Australian batting line-up, taking a personal best haul of 8-15. He impressed with his nagging line and length and troubled batsmen with his meticulous and consistent bowling and was the star on a lively pitch. Still the pitch was not unplayable, but bowlers had to work hard and remain disciplined in approach to be successful.
When James Anderson was ruled out of the fixture with a side strain, Broad must have felt a desire to set an example and lead from the front, which he did and did so in fine fashion. The added pressure and responsibility on his shoulders proved to be no downfall for him and he took the increased attention for the better.
It was the best ever figures at Trent Bridge, the fourth best Ashes return and the eight best haul by an English bowler. Broad also equalled the record for the fastest five-for in test history, from 19 balls, which E Toshack of Australia achieved in 1947 at the Gabba.
“It’s pretty unbelievable really” the pace bowler said in an on-field interview for Sky Sports Ashes. It hasn’t sunk in. All our talk in the week has been about us making sure we focus on our own game.
We said as a unit today, ‘ yes we have won the toss, but don’t chase the game. Trent Bridge will offer you something from full of a length. I thought the way we bowled as a unit- and the way we caught- was special.
I mean Ben Stokes catch- I couldn’t believe it when that went in.
The 29-year-old also became only the fifth Englishman to take 300 wickets, with him achieving the landmark when he took the wicket of Chris Rogers in the first over. “It’s one of those things you try not to think too much about. But obviously going to bed last night, you’re hoping to get it early, so it’s off your mind. So to get it third ball was a delight”.
“We obviously thought hard about planning in this game. It’s such a big week for us. Now we’ve got the chance to get a big lead. Hopefully we’ll go and do that”.
” We just need to graft hard. We’ve got players who have grown up in England and who are used to conditions like this. You’ve got to leave really well-not push at the ball” Broad concluded.