Stuart Broad is arguably one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of England cricket. His partnership with James Anderson for over a decade has helped the three Lions win a lot of Test matches across all conditions.
As Anderson continued to set new landmarks, Broad followed ably in his slipstream, emulating his friend when becoming only the second Englishman to take 400 Test wickets. The highlight of his career will be the first session of the Ashes Test of 2015, on his home ground of Trent Bridge, when he took 8 for 15 as Australia were bowled out before lunch, in only 18.3 overs, for 60.
Despite being carted for six sixes in an over by Yuvraj Singh at the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007, Stuart Broad’s stocks have gone higher. He has also been a decent batter in the lower-order putting together a lot of crucial runs for whichever sides he has represented.
Here are some of the unknown facts about Stuart Broad:
1) Love of cooking
For a pace bowler who thrives on pace and intimidation, Stuart Broad has a rather harmless pastime: cooking! Broad said that his signature dish is lasagne and spaghetti Bolognese, though he also said he enjoys cooking anything.
2) Started as a batter
Much like his father Chris Broad, Stuart started off as an opening batsman. However, at the age of 17, he enjoyed a sudden growth, and at 6 foot 5 inches, he transformed himself into a pace bowler. The change yielded huge returns for England and the cricketer.
3) All in the family involved in cricket
Stuart’s father is former England opener Chris Broad, now an ICC match-referee and. Stuart’s sister Gemma is also involved with cricket; she is an analyst with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
4) Broad has his feet grounded
Broad revealed that he kept a poster with a quote of England rugby captain Martin Johnson (one of Broad’s heroes) on a wall in his house which serves as an inspiration to him:
“If you believe them when they call you a superhuman you have to believe them when they call you a tosser.”
5) The Broad Appeal
Broad’s step-mother Michelle, with whom he was very close, committed suicide after suffering from motor neurone disease (MND). Her death affected Chris, Stuart, and Gemma greatly. They founded The Broad Appeal (@TheBroadAppeal)to help raise awareness and money for MND.
