13 Facts about Stuart Broad: The baby-faced assassin

When one takes stock of Stuart Broad, the first impression he gives out is a blue-eyed candy boy who exudes kindness. While some speculate that maybe his off-field traits, on the field, however, Broad is very much the combat warrior many would not associate him with. Although he certainly has a long way to go he will always be remembered as a player who served his Queen and country with the ferocity befitting a player of his talent and his class.

1. The Knight of Nottingham:

Stuart Christopher John Broad was born on the 24th of June 1986 at Nottingham, England, a place renowned for its bravery and outlaw ‘Robin Hood’.

2. Chop –S(t)uey:

Stuart Broad’s popular nicknames include ‘Stuey’, something he is called by his close friends and teammates. He is also called Malfoy, due to his close resemblance to Harry Potter villain ‘Draco Malfoy’

3. Combat mode:

One of the greatest strengths of Stuart Broad is his aggression. Although he is one of the kindest blokes off the pitch, on the pitch, he is as competitive as they come. In a nutshell, he gets into combat mode. While at first, one may not think much of his Baby-Faced good looks and blue-eyed persona, Broad is one of the feistiest cricketers to ever don the Three Lions across his chest. His temperament may get him the wickets, however, it also proves to be his kryptonite as he has been pulled up for bad behavior in the part.

4. Royal Pains:

Stuart’s stepmother Michelle “Miche” Broad committed suicide in July 2010. She was suffering from motor neuron disease.

5. An Australian target:

At times the Ashes series tends to get the better out of Stuart Broad. However, in the 2012-13 edition, Broad showed one and all exactly what he was capable of as he showed some maturity. He kept his temper in check as the Poms went on to lose 5-0.

6. Yuvraj’s roundhouse kick:

The 2007 World T20 in South Africa remains to be the best one in the history of T20 cricket. One of the most unforgettable moments of the India v England encounter at Durban was when Yuvraj Singh smashed Stuart Broad for six sixes in the over. Further interviews and reports went  on to suggest that it was Andrew Flintoff who provoked Yuvraj as the latter took out his frustrations on Broad.

7. Winds of change:

With Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison both lacking form, Broad was selected for the series against New Zealand at Wellington. The decision taken by his coach Peter Moores and captain Michael Vaughan was soon vindicated. He has been viewed as the replacement for the tow stalwarts of British cricket.

8. The Lord’s Honors board:

In September 2010, Broad smashed an audacious 169 against Pakistan at Lords to help England to reach a formidable total and subsequently go on to win the Test. He came in to bat when England was in dire straits at 7-102. He also managed a five-wicket haul as he became one of the very few players to get their names on both honors boards at Lords.

9. Branderson’s wreckage:

In recent times, Stuart Broad has become famous for his partnership with James Anderson in Test matches. They have been accountable for claiming almost 700 odd wickets together in Test matches.

10. The nine-pin Kiwis:

In May 2013, Broad wrote himself in the history books as he took his career best figures of 7/44 against New Zealand at Lords.

11. Stuey’s dad:

Stuart Broad comes from a cricketing family. His father Chris Broad played for England in the 1970s and now serves as a match referee affiliated with the ICC.

12. The Calypso title:

Broad was part of the side that clinched the World T20 2010 in the Caribbean. They played arch-rivals Australia and managed to beat them in the final. This was the first ICC event won by England.

13. The Kangaroo hunt:

Stuart Broad has 15 5-wicket hauls to his name in Test cricket. 6 of these achievements have come against Australia in the Ashes.