Broad in top nick for the boo boys
ENGLAND quick Stuart Broad has enhanced his reputation as public enemy No. 1 in Australia.
Broad has been booed every time his name is read over the loudspeakers at the Gabba as England headed towards a first Test defeat and it is set to continue after his latest antics.
Australia’s disdain for Broad dates to the first Test of the 2013 Ashes series at Trent Bridge in England.
Broad nicked an Ashton Agar delivery that deflected off keeper Brad Haddin’s gloves and was caught by Michael Clarke at first slip.
Umpire Aleem Dar said “not out” and Broad refused to walk. Australia had no referrals to challenge the decision.
At the Gabba yesterday, Aussie keeper Tim Paine threw the ball in the air and celebrated after Broad played at, and appeared to miss, a Mitchell Starc delivery.
Paine was convinced Broad had hit it. Starc was not and nor was Dar. Broad gave away nothing.
Aussie captain Steve Smith showed faith in his keeper and referred the decision.
Hot spot picked up the faintest of edges. Broad had hit it. Again.
Only this time he had to walk after Dar’s decision was overturned.
Broad, England’s best bowler this match, said he had been disappointed with the level of booing directed his way.
“I had to share the boos with ‘ Rooty’ [Joe Root] a little bit, I was a bit disappointed actually,” he said.
“I have been booed a little bit but nothing like four years ago, four years ago you could barely hear yourself think.
“[But] I quite like that side of thing. I like the battle in sport and if the opposition fans are ignoring you that means you are not very good at your job.”
The nick was so faint Broad could be forgiven for not knowing he had hit it but, with his form, the Australian public is unlikely to be so kind.