South Africa has enlisted the expertise of former English fast bowler Stuart Broad as they gear up for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s next week, as reported by the UK Telegraph. The Proteas are seeking Broad’s insight to bolster their chances in this crucial one-off match.
Australia, having emerged victorious against India in the previous WTC final, is considered the favourite, particularly given some criticism regarding South Africa’s qualification, which was seen as lacking in rigor due to the quality of their recent opponents. Broad, an Ashes adversary well-known for his battles against Australian players, brings valuable experience; throughout his illustrious 16-year Test career, he claimed 153 wickets from 40 matches against Australia, averaging 28.96.
Broad’s final Test appeared in the 2023 Ashes series at The Oval, a contest marked by his contentious exchange with the Australians over Alex Carey’s stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s earlier that same series. His prowess against Australia included a notable 106 wickets in England at an impressive average of 26.65, though he did have less success at Lord’s, capturing only 17 wickets over five matches there at a rate of 34.70.
South Africa aims to leverage Broad’s insights to provide fast bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen with strategic advice to potentially turn the tide in their favour against the Australians. Meanwhile, the Australian side is yet to confirm their playing eleven, with several players, including Sam Konstas, Beau Webster, Scott Boland, and Josh Inglis, facing uncertainty about their inclusion in the 15-player squad for the match.
As excitement builds for this high-stakes encounter, South Africa hopes that Broad’s extensive knowledge and experience from countless clashes with the Australians will provide a significant edge.