How England’s Stuart Broad became the Proteas’ secret weapon in the WTC final
SECRET WEAPON Stuart Broad's tactical insights helped give the Proteas a crucial edge in their dominant bowling performance against Australia in the WTC final at Lord's. Picture: Adrian Dennis/AFP
Image: Adrian Dennis/AFP
There’s no disputing it was a top bowling performance from the Proteas on the opening day of the World Test Championship final against Australia, with Kagiso Rabada grabbing the headlines, but it may just have been the input of legendary England fast bowler Stuart Broad which gave South Africa their edge.
Broad was seen chatting to the Proteas bowlers before the start of the match at Lord’s on Wednesday, as he was called in as a consultant ahead of the clash.
Due to his commentary commitments with the host broadcaster during the Test, Broad’s role ended once the match began.
Broad played an incredible 167 Tests for England in a 16-year career which finally drew to a close in 2023. The quick ended with 604 Test wickets, and the fifth most in the format.
Stuart Broad's Tactical Insights for the Proteas at Lord's
Earlier this week, Broad revealed how he aimed to help the Proteas attack.
"I certainly wouldn't be going in and talking about individuals' actions before one of the biggest games of their careers,” said Broad.
"It's very much about the tactics of that particular ground and the nuances which that slope brings. A lot of overseas bowlers can sometimes take a spell to get used to playing there.”
Though he did not say it, there must have been an element of a former England player uniting against a common enemy.
"I'll just have conversations with a few of their guys on field placements and how to settle and just the differences that Lord's can bring to different bowlers.”
South Africa bowled Australia for 212 just after tea, but they were left reeling on 43/4 in reply at the close of play.