ICC cricket World Cup 2011: Stuart Broad raring to go
English fans are in for a treat as their teams pace spear-head Stuart Broad has regained complete fitness before the start of the ICC World Cup, 2011. He suffered from abdominal injury in England’s Ashes tour back in December 2010 and has been out of action ever since.
The right-arm fast bowler affirmed, “I'm 100% fit now and excited about the chances of playing in a World Cup.”
Broady is an important member of the English side; he was sorely missed during England’s 6-1 loss to the Aussies in the recently concluded One Day International series.
The 6 ft 5 in player said, “It's been a while since I've been on a field. I've been in the gym and in the nets but I'm excited about that competitive edge you get on the pitch and excited about our chances as well.”
The 24-year-old speedster was one of many players who were injured during the lengthy tour of Australia. Other players who joined him in the injury list included: all-rounder Paul Collingwood, spinner Graeme Swann, middle order batsman Eoin Morgan, fast bowlers Ajmal Shahzad and Tim Bresnan.
Before the ODI series loss to Australia, the Poms were on a roll: they won five ODI series back-to-back and had been undefeated in the short format of the game since 2009. They also won the prestigious ICC World Twenty20 trophy in 2010.
Broady believes his team is one of the best ODI sides with immense talent and experience in their line-up. He asserts that once the injured players make their way back to the team, their side will be tough to beat.
The 24-year-old cricketer made his one-day debut for England in August 2006 against Pakistan. He has featured in 73 ODI’s and has 124 wickets to his name at an average of 25.70; over the past months he has also emerged handy with the bat.
He is usually a very good bowler on bouncy pitches and will be tested on the slow Subcontinent pitches which have less bounce in them. He will have to use every trick in his arsenal if he wants to emerge successful in ICC’s signature tournament.
England has failed to reach the semi-final stage of the World Cup since 1992. Their chances have taken a blow with Eoin Morgan being ruled out of the mega event due to a broken finger. Morgan has been instrumental in his team’s victories over the last year; he averages 38.08 in ODIs and has an impressive average of 59.66 runs in games won by England.
England will be playing their first warm-up match for the premier tournament on 16 February, 2011.
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