Stuart Broad – Enigmatic and charismatic

For long long time I have not enjoyed the test cricket, the way I enjoyed recently concluded five tests Ashes series. The way Australia won the first two matches and the manner in which England fought back in the last three matches was an ample demonstration of the fierce rivalry the two teams have! There were so many ups and downs, swings in favour of one team or the other, long partnerships and collapses and some spectacular individualistic performances that all added up to a great potpourri of sporting spectacle.

The crowd participation was enthusiastic and all days were almost houseful with the knowledgeable spectators cheering every good moment. Weather was perfect, but for an occasional rain ( actually during the third test rain played spoilsport) and pitches supported both – batters as well as bowlers!

Australia might have retained the urn containing the Ashes, but the closing moment went to England. A veteran of 167 tests with a haul of 605 wickets in a career spanning over more than 17 years, 37 years old maverick Stuart Broad called it a day, retiring from all forms of cricket. And his retirement was something that he as well as cricket lovers would cherish for long long time. Not only did he score a six of the last ball he faced as a batter, he also took wicket on the last bowl he bowled, ending his long glorious career on a high note, winning the test for England.

And though I knew Broad as a great bowler, watching him bowl in this Ashes series, has made him my all time favourite. Every time his captain called upon him, he didn’t disappoint. His attitude, gait, body language had the effect of recharging the team spirit. His aging legs seemed to be untiring and feet having springs. And what a gracious manner in which he bade adieu to the great game of cricket! What made the event even more gracious was the honour given by him to fellow player Moin Ali, who also played his last game.

His fitness, unbridled enthusiasm, deep knowledge of the rivals’ weaknesses all added up to make Broad one of the “All time greats.”Jimmy Anderson may play more cricket at 41 and take his tally past the magical figure of 700 wickets, but his long time colleague Broad will always be remembered as an enigma that only Broad could have been!

Let’s wish Broad all the best for his next innings – a slight misnomer for a retired cricketer who has already played so many innings, but a befitting sobriquet nevertheless!