‘Targeted’ Warner can expect a Broadside
ENGLAND paceman Stuart Broad is hellbent on remaining the figure David Warner and Australia love to hate.
Broad, 31, says the energy gained from confronting chief protagonist Warner is the genesis of his Ashes inspiration – punctuated by a matchwinning 8-15 at Trent Bridge in 2015, where Australia folded for a calamitous 60 in their first innings.
“I love that spice,” said Broad, who craves another hostile reception from Brisbane fans in the Ashes opener from November 23.
“I think that’s why I’ve probably saved some of my best performances for Ashes series, because it builds it up.
“I love the extra pressure. If you can’t deal with that you shouldn’t be playing top-level sport.”
Opener Warner has equated the Ashes to war.
Broad noted the Australian vice-captain’s aggression can work for the Old Enemy.
“He’s one of those blokes who’s not that enjoyable to play against but if he’s in your team you love him,” said Broad, with 84 Ashes wickets at 27, including 6-81 at the Gabba in 2013-14.
“He’s someone who can take the game away from you quickly.
“These are the sort of guys you want to play against, who spur you on and you know that if you get it wrong to him he can hurt you, but it’s also extremely exciting if you get him out.”
“Stomach churning” Ashes conflicts and villain status, notes Broad, are “like being a Manchester United player at Anfield”.
“It’s why the Ashes is so special. You walk out and go ‘whoa, I’m alive here, this is what it’s all about’,” he said.