STUART BROAD retire? You must be kidding.
The thought has not crossed his mind and he wants to make the next Ashes tour when he will be 35.
Broad is still performing superbly he is Englands leading bowler in the series against South Africa with 12 wickets at 18.25 and loving the teams injection of youth.
So his dual role as outstanding new-ball operator and a sort of father-figure to the new generation means Broad, 33, right now exudes energy and enthusiasm.
As he enters todays Fourth Test at The Wanderers, scene of one of his greatest triumphs, Broad insisted: I know I can still deliver when the heat is on and the pressure is burning.
That excitement of bowling the first ball in The Ashes series…Im still living for that.
Ive still got a lot of fire in the belly. As soon as that fire goes, I know my bowling boots will go, too. But its still there. Would I like to be part of another Ashes series in Australia? Absolutely.
I feel confident at the minute, I feel great, physically good. All my fitness tests have gone in the right direction which, at 33, can be something that falls away.
‘INCREDIBLY MATURE KIDS’
My rhythm has gathered throughout the series although Ive not had one of those spells where Ive really snapped through a team The Wanderers could be it.
Broad broke the Proteas here four years ago with 6-17 in a series-clinching win one of those famous hot streaks with the ball that has helped him snare 483 Test victims.
The 6ft 5in paceman is a smart, intelligent, accurate bowler who uses his brain as much as his height.
While Broads bowling makes him believe he can extend his career, the presence here of Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, Dom Bess, Sam Curran and Jofra Archer also gives him a zest for life.
The street-smart 13-year Test veteran explained: I think you need a bit of both youth and experience.
“Its a young team but, if you spend a bit of time with these players, theyre incredibly mature kids and they absorb information very quickly.
Theres a myth that all youngsters want to do is play T20 cricket. Anyone coming into this environment would see that nothing could be farther from the truth.
Youve got guys hungry and desperate to develop as Test players. They have a desire to have long, successful, Ashes-winning Test careers.
And thats a great sign for English cricket. These players want to make this team the best in the world.
And with the talent thats around …I mean Pope, watching him operate, he has to be one of the best young prospects weve ever delivered.
Young players give you so much energy, it spurs you on.
Captain Joe Root is a fan of Broads character and said: On occasions, hell be quite grumpy you expect that from a senior fast bowler but has a big heart and wants to do well for the team.
When you have an attitude like that and his skills, youre going to be successful. Even at his age, hes still not stood still.
Thats a good example to the young players.
