Ashes 2019: Stuart Broad Reveals Richard Hadlee’s Role in His Ashes Performance

England pace-spearhead Stuart Broad played a crucial role in the recently concluded Ashes series where England led the series in a draw by 2-2. The 33-year-old picked up 23 wickets in five-test series. After his stunning performance, Broad credited former New Zealand all-rounder Richard Hadlee for his this.

Stuart Broad, who grew up idolizing Hadlee, had asked the advice from Hadlee during England’s series in Sri Lanka last year. He revealed how his idol helped him.

“He sent me a detailed, two-page email in reply about why he changed and what he did. It was awesome. That in particular was what inspired me to go for it,” Broad wrote for the Daily Mail in January.

During that series, Broad had surpassed Hadlee’s record of 431 wickets. However, he wanted to make some change in order to prolong his career. That’s why he wanted to reduce his run-up and making himself, “more compact at the crease and heightening the release position.” Hadlee, however, helped the fast bowler.

“I can’t take any credit because advice is advice, and you’ve still got to get out there and adapt and perform. He’s absolutely done that,” Hadlee told Stuff. “I’ve written a piece for his [Broad’s] benefit programme saying I might be asking him for advice now.”

On the other hand, in the absence of James Anderson, Broad played a pivotal role of leading the pace attack of England. He finished the series as the second-highest wicket-taker after Australia’s Pat Cummins (29 wickets at 19.62).

“To see him mature and develop and perform the way that he has… he’s on the verge of greatness. He’s passed all the wickets that I got and the bowling combination with Jimmy Anderson make them categorically the most successful new ball attack in the history of the game. It’s an extraordinary performance,” added Hadlee.

Although it wasn’t easy for Broad as he was not being picked for England’s Test squad in the tour of the Caribbean last year but he came back with a bang. He expressed that he was happy and pleased with his performance in the Ashes which included David Warner‘s seven-time dismissals in the whole series.

“At 33 years old that is a good place to be. All the hard work has been worth it. Fate allowed me to have the time during the winter to work on things. In Sri Lanka, I didn’t play too much and I was able to work on a new run-up and stuff like my attacking intent which has paid dividends. I’ve not been as attacking in my areas, and making batsmen play as much as I have for many years,”  Broad concluded.