Broad Shoulders Fairytale Finish

By Rahul Patil

In 2017 All Blacks coach Steve Hansen described the drawn series against the British & Irish Lions as “a bit like kissing your sister”. After five nail biting test matches this year’s Ashes has finished in a 2-2 draw and everyone seems to agree that it is a fair result. Australia retained the urn but Pat Cummins sounded really disappointed that his side had blown a 2-0 lead and failed to deliver the knockout punch. England on the other hand were ecstatic about squaring the series but I am sure when the euphoria settles they will be ruing some of their selections & decisions in the first two tests.

Stuart Broad surprised the cricketing world by calling time on his career at the end of play on day three. Timing is a huge part of cricket and one feels Broad couldn’t have timed this one better. He chose to go while people are still asking ‘Why’ and not ‘When’. I am sure that even now when he tries to enter a pub he gets asked for ID. The innocent baby faced good looks have been playing international cricket since 2006.

17 years, 167 test matches, 604 wickets and 3662 runs is an astonishing career. 22 of those 604 wickets came in his final Ashes series. Considering the longevity of fast bowlers in the modern game one can safely say that Stuart Broad will forever remain the second most capped fast bowler in test history along with being the second highest wicket taker as far as fast bowlers are concerned. The Aussies gave Stuart Broad a guard of honor at the start of day four. It was one of the best definitions of the ‘spirit of cricket’ and there have been a number of them floating around.

It’s never easy having a famous parent. Cricketing history is full of examples where talented children have failed under the burden of expectations. It’s also never easy playing your entire career in the shadow of Anderson, arguably the best fast bowler to have ever played for England. But through sheer hard work and relentlessness Stuart Broad managed to carve a unique identity for himself. Anderson is admired by the critics. Broad is a hero of the masses.

I still remember that 2007 T20 world cup game in Durban. The look on Broad’s face after Yuvraj Singh’s assault was one of shock and disbelief. I personally was once hit for four consecutive sixes in a club game and in my own small way know how it feels. At the time I wondered if Broad would ever be able to comeback from that. He’s clearly mentally very tough. You cannot last in international cricket for 17 years if you are not.

I will miss all the Broadisms. The headband, the celebrappeal, the facial expressions on beating the bat and his interactions with the crowd. All straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster. If test cricket is a movie, then Broad is definitely Hugh Grant. Test cricket needs characters and Stuart Broad played a huge role in keeping test cricket fans engaged. He didn’t always play by the book and the so called ‘spirit of cricket’ was bought up only when it suited his team but he also had the uncanny knack of winning people over time and again.

Earlier this year I heard him speak at press conferences during England’s tour of New Zealand and it is safe to say that post retirement, a long career as a broadcaster will definitely be on the cards. Sky Sports UK will have a third ace in their line up after the eloquent Michael Atherton and the articulate Nasser Hussain. Finishing his international career with a six and a wicket, you cannot script that. Go well Broady and thank you for all the entertainment and the memories. Touchwood, one day we will call a game of cricket together.

Moeen Ali confirmed that he is now well and truly done with test cricket. It’s another mind boggling story. Getting an SOS from the captain, coming out of retirement, blistered spinning finger, batting at no 3, injured groin and then picking up 3 wickets on the final day to help his side square the series. England tour India early next year for five tests and Jack Leach will need an able partner. Will Stokes be able to twist Mo’s arm one more time? What was that Bond movie? That’s right – Never say never again.

The fifth test came down to a one innings shootout and England’s aggressive approach once again made sure that they got big runs in quick time. 384 is huge target in the fourth innings but with Moeen Ali and Mark Wood being injured the Australians were in with a chance. Warner, Khawaja and Smith tried their best to keep the run chase alive but it only delayed the inevitable.

Mitchell Starc (23 wickets in 4 matches) and Chris Woakes (19 wickets in 3 matches) were chosen as the player of the series for their respective teams. Interestingly both were not in the starting XI for their respective teams at the start of the series. We saw Usman Khawaja continue his purple patch with the bat for Australia and we saw Zack Crawley mature into a reliable option at the top of the order for England.

The series has been one for the ages and definitely lived up to all the pre series hype and expectations. The action was riveting and there were plenty of controversies throughout the series that divided opinions. Test cricket is alive and healthy in England, Australia and India but I agree with Nasser Hussain when he says that the big three need to make sure that the rest of the test playing nations are encouraged and supported in nourishing test cricket back to health in their respective countries. Test cricket is a reflection of life and in a world of fast food and takeaways there is still place for a scrumptious five course meal.

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