Broad’s Seven Wicket Extravaganza

by Jay Geeganage

http://goo.gl/rHjLB

Stuart’s international career has been like a rollercoaster ride huh!? You know how you go up forever and then come down in an instant to go back up again in the next few seconds; that’s what his career has been like. Luckily the ride has mostly been up than down which is what every cricketer or any sportsman can ever dream of.

What a year it’s been for him!! This time last year against Sri Lanka, Stuart was struggling to get wickets by bowling short and was known to be taking the role of the enforcer. Now look at him!

He did not start off Day 1 of the first Test against the West Indies as impressively as one would hope for but as the day progressed, he was hitting the right lengths and creating opportunities; opportunities that were appealing to the batsmen who couldn’t help but nick the ball to the slip fielders :). Before long, he had taken 4 wickets. Didn’t stop him there though as he went to bag a couple more by the end of day’s play.

Broad’s six wicket haul at Lord’s made him the fifth Englishman to feature on the Lord’s honours board for both batting and bowling accomplishments. For those who are wondering when he got a ton – In 2010 (Aug), Stuart made a century (169) against Pakistan to go on the honours board at Lord’s for the first time in his career, surpassing his father Chris Broad’s score of a 162.

As six wickets were not enough *wink*, Stuart went on to bag the wicket of Shannon Gabriel, first ball of Day 2, taking his career best bowling figures up to 7-72 and he’s currently on a hat-trick. Doesn’t stop there, mind you! Whilst all this was happening, he also reached his 150 Test Wicket milestone :)

http://goo.gl/90HjG

What a fantastic day full of excitement for this young lad! Stuart was magnificent on the field. Proud is merely another word that exists to describe my emotions. It has been fantastic to see him grow as a cricketer over the last few years, and long may that continue! He’s proving that pundits and critics who don’t believe in him are wrong. Way to go Broady!

Before signing off, I have to say, we are so proud to call ourselves fans of a cricketer who does his job because he loves it, who strives for improvements regardless of how good he is and who still sticks to his roots and has his feet firmly on the ground despite all the recognition and fame that comes with being the fantastic cricketer he is.

Well done, Broady! x