Stuart Broad’s spell at Trent Bridge has ensured his place in Ashes history

Turn your clocks back to 2007. A 21-year-old Stuart Broad left Kingsmead embarrassed, having been carted for six sixes in an over by Yuvraj Singh. Off all the instances in representative cricket, where six sixes were hit in an over, this was the first time a fast bowler was a victim. Though Malcolm Nash, the man at the receiving end of Garry Sobers’ barrage was, a seamer, he bowled spin the day the great man took him on. Broad’s predicament was thus unique and crushing for any young man — enough to crumble any tyro. Instead, Broad charted a path to recovery, to become one of England’s finest players in modern times. 

Not many remember that Broad’s redemption began in Sri Lanka soon after the ICC World T20 2007. Brushing aside the ignominy, he bounced back to take 11 wickets, which were crucial in helping England clinch the One-Day International (ODI) series. Later on the tour, he made his Test debut and has never looked back. One can say that Broad has majorly evolved into a Test player, although his skill set was also ideal for the one-day format. He was central to England’s charge to the summit of the Test rankings in 2011. Since 2010, he is second only to teammate James Anderson in the list of leading wicket-takers in Tests. He has also gone past 300 Test wickets — which puts him in the august company of Anderson, Ian Botham, Fred Trueman and Bob Willis. Then there is also the Test hundred at Lord’s! 

And now comes Broad’s career-defining eight for 15 in the fourth Test against Australia. These are his best Test figures to date and perhaps his magnum opus at the highest level. It came in the absence of the spearhead Anderson, pushing Broad to lead the attack. Without the luxury of having his old mate at the other end, Broad destroyed Australia single-handedly to help England lift the urn. It was also fitting that Broad got to the 300-mark during that innings — making it a truly momentous occasion. England skipper, Alastair Cook, said in the lead-up to the fourth Test, “If someone scores a really big hundred or takes six or seven wickets to help England win the game their name will be etched in history forever.” How right was the England skipper! Broad has ensured his place in Ashes history with his spell. Though he is also remembered for another Ashes-winning spell at The Oval in 2009, the Trent Bridge display will stand out for its sheer dominance. 

What makes Broad dangerous is that he will keep nagging the batsmen with decent pace. He makes them play most deliveries, increasing his chances of picking a wicket. His bowling reflects his persistent character. It sums up his journey so far — where he has learnt from those early jitters and become a stronger player. Last year, he played at The Oval against India, even though he was hit on the head in the previous Test. That is character! 

However, that incident at Manchester, where Varun Aaron got through his helmet, has cast a shadow over his batting. Broad isn’t the batsman he was earlier, who could come in and trouble the opposition with crucial runs down the order. Instead, his body language reflects caution on most occasions. He has been criticised for backing away while batting. It may take time before he can regain that confidence and measure in his batting and perhaps his good bowling may have an impact on it at some point. Broad has overcome a great challenge early in his career and he has the character and ability to rekindle the spark in his batting. 

England have been through a tough phase since the Ashes 2013-14 Down Under where Mitchell Johnson blew them apart. This Ashes victory could play a huge role in helping them regain the aura of a champion team. In that regard, Broad has a big role to play. Back in 2010-11, he was vital to their charge up the Test rankings and has to do something similar for Cook’s new side. There will be challenges thrown around, some meant to crush the body and spirit, but Broad has shown that he is up for it. He stands tall today as an Ashes hero.