We were all jumping up and down, says Broad

STUART BROAD hailed Alastair Cook’s strength of character for scoring an Ashes century at the MCG while under the fiercest of scrutiny. England pace bowler Broad said: ‘Every time you step on the field you are pretty much playing for your career. That’s international cricket. ‘You have to get your mindset right, your work ethic right and do all you can to be at your best. ‘It shows a huge amount of character to be under that sort of pressure and deliver any sort of performance, let alone a hundred like Cooky just has.’ Cook’s determined innings in front of a 67,882 crowd banished all concerns that his England career might be over after this series. His unbeaten hundred ended the worst run-drought of his 151-cap Test career and six low scores during the heavy Ashes defeats in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth had led to serious questions over his Test future as the senior batsman in Joe Root’s young side. But the opener’s 104 not out, his 32nd Test hundred, took England to 192 for two after Australia had been bowled out for 327. ‘The changing-room celebration when he got that hundred was huge — people jumping up,’ said Broad. ‘That’s testament to the person he is. He’s a calm character, he doesn’t get fazed or down. He went through so much stuff with his captaincy that I’m sure a bit of stick about not getting runs is going to bother him too much. Things were always going to go his way eventually. He has always had these periods when he might not have scored the runs he wants. Then he gets a really big score.’ Broad (right) — another whose place in the side has been in doubt — took four for 51, his best figures in 2017, as Australia lost their last seven wickets for 67 runs. Talking about his own renaissance, Broad said: ‘I don’t think you play this much international sport without some kind of deep inner self-confidence that you can call on when you are very low. ‘You have something there to clutch on to when things get tough. Both of us have put in strong performances over the two days.’ Broad, who admits he bowled poorly in Perth, has also had to cope with pundit and former England captain Michael Vaughan saying he should be dropped. ‘It’s been one of those weeks when you get your tin hat on, duck down and don’t see much,’ said Broad. ‘I’ve been unaware what’s been written or what’s been said. ‘You have to find something within yourself, get support from people around you and build yourself back up. You can get yourself in a dark place if you read everything. ‘It was only two weeks since I was on holiday with him (Vaughan) but I don’t know what he’s been saying. ‘Things change quickly in sport. People do their jobs and have to be critical at times. I won’t hold grudges or be disappointed if people slag me off. In 15 years’ time, I might be doing the same.’