CHESTER-LE-STREET, England, Aug 10 AAP – Stuart Broad has embraced his status as Ashes villain and says he isn’t affected by people questioning his character.
After tormenting Australia further at Chester-le-Street on day two of the fourth Test, Broad made it clear he only intends to enhance his reputation as Australia’s most hated Englishman when the action moves down under in the summer.
Broad claimed 4-48 in the most scintillating bowling performance of the series on Saturday.
The niggling quick then spoke out for the first time since infamously refusing to walk in the first Test at Trent Bridge, after he had whacked a ball to first slip.
Broad said he has no regrets over his decision to stand his ground, despite the heat he copped for the ugly incident which proved pivotal in England’s narrow 14-run first Test win.
The 27-year-old grew up watching an England team that were too weak to even have a villainous figure and said he prides himself on getting under Australia’s skin.
He’s set to cop a hammering from the Australian crowds, but Broad said he’d thrive on being the bad guy.
“I don’t think you want Australians to love you, because it means you’re not doing very well,” said Broad.
“There’s quite a few English players from the 90s and early 2000s who’d want to be an Australian villain.
“The (fallout from not walking) is part and parcel of the media’s job, I suppose. It didn’t affect me personally, in the fact that we went on to win that Test match which helped us get a 2-0 lead in the series.”
Broad has made himself easy to hate, with his swagger at the bowling crease, over-the-top appealing and disruptive antics.
And up until Saturday’s effort, he had little to show for the big game he talked, taking just six wickets from the first three Tests.
However, Broad proved what a devastating force he can be, bowling back-to-back spells at 135km/h.
He crashed through David Warner’s stumps after four overs and was too quick for Usman Khawaja shortly after to make it 2-12.
He also picked off the crucial wickets of Michael Clarke and Shane Watson.
With a bit more luck he’d have had 7 or 8 wickets and England would be well on their way to winning the series.
Instead, Chris Rogers and Watson rescued Australia and at stumps they were just 16 runs away from a first innings lead.
Broad was optimistic about England’s chances.
They recovered from a similar predicament to win at Trent Bridge and the pitch will only get worse for Australia who must bat last.
Broad said he felt everything clicked on a wicket that was offering plenty.
“I certainly got the ball to talk more,” he said.
“You’ve just got to hang in there and do your things and hit your lengths and things will happen for you.”
