The 4th Test of the ongoing Ashes 2023 between England and Australia is just around the corner, and Stuart Broad, the experienced English fast bowler, has revealed his strategic plan to tackle the formidable Aussie opener, David Warner.
Broad, who has dismissed Warner a staggering 17 times in Test cricket, aims to break Glenn McGrath’s record of 19 dismissals of Michael Atherton and become the bowler with the most Ashes wickets. In his column for The Daily Mail, Broad admitted that bowling to Warner has always been challenging for him.
However, he has recently made a change in his approach by opting to bowl from around the wicket and delivering fuller-length deliveries. This tactic aims to restrict Warner’s ability to capitalize on wide deliveries and force him to play left-arm shots.
“I’ve always found it difficult bowling to Davey, and I still do. By going round the wicket, I’ve tried to minimize the width he loves outside off stump but also bowl a fuller length and make him play at 80 to 85 percent of deliveries,” explained Broad.
Broad reflected on the advice given by England’s former bowling coach, Ottis Gibson, to devise a method to curtail the scoring prowess of left-handed batters.
“He used to sit back against me and hit me through the off side, and before the 2015 Ashes, our bowling coach Ottis Gibson pointed out that my average was much higher against left-handers. The Aussie team that season was full of lefties, and Ottis said I’d be out of the team if I didn’t find a way to bowl to them,” added Broad
With the upcoming Test presenting an opportunity to surpass McGrath’s record and pave the way for England’s victory in the Ashes, Broad’s master plan against Warner will be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
