Bond’s backing dream duo for glory in 2023
ENGLAND breathed fresh life into Test cricket in 2022.
And Shane Bond believes there’s no chance of their elder statesmen missing out on the party as England’s five-day revolution continues.
The former Kiwi great has worked with both Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad previously.
And he will be in the commentary box as England look to extend their golden run in Test cricket in New Zealand later this month.
He believes both bowlers have been given a new lease of life by the captain and coach combination of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
“I finished playing just before I turned 35 and, for me, I just didn’t have the willingness to do the training that was required,” Bond said.
“I had just run out of steam to do that. For guys like Jimmy and Broady to have maintained that hunger, for guys who have played for as long as they have and to have had the success that they have had, that’s pretty cool.
“Their durability means they’re unique. They’re unbelievable.
“I think strength and conditioning has come a long way and they’re starting to bring in the foundations of what’s needed to bowl quick a lot younger.
“If you’re training your body from an early age, the chances of playing for a lot longer have increased massively.
“I think we’ve seen that with batters and bowlers.
“But ultimately it comes down to that drive, particularly when you’re playing international cricket.
“Those guys have maintained that fitness, that discipline and that desire for a very long time. You can only admire them.
“I don’t think either will be thinking of calling it a day any time soon.
“I’m really looking forward to this series but also the Ashes in the summer too. Jimmy and Broady are going to be crucial in both.”
In December, Anderson became the oldest cricketer in 47 years to be ranked in the top two of the ICC’s official rankings.
Broad, meanwhile, became the second leading seamer in the all-time Test wicket list in September, with only Anderson ahead of him.
In the future, Bond has no doubt that Jofra Archer will also force his way back into England’s Test plans.
“It can seem like a long way back when you’ve suffered the injuries he has had,” Bond added.
“Hopefully he can put those serious injury problems behind him and kick-on.”