India's comprehensive 336-run win over England at Edgbaston has sensationally turned around the five-Test series, now finely balanced at 1-1. With the third Test scheduled for July 10 at the iconic Lord's, excitement is ramping up around the battle and possible team line-ups. Much of the spotlight is on India’s potent bowling unit, which former England pacer Stuart Broad described as “dangerous” during a Sky Sports discussion.

“This Indian bowling attack would worry me if I was in that England batting lineup,” Broad remarked, highlighting the particular challenge Lord’s could pose. “The ball just nips down that slope at Lord’s. Akash Deep brings the stumps into play, and if it swings, Bumrah will be lethal with the late movement.” The return of Jasprit Bumrah, coupled with Akash Deep’s recent exploits, only strengthens India’s case as they eye a rare Test win at the Home of Cricket.

Shubman Gill’s youthful side, high on confidence after their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, looks both balanced and settled. Gill himself has been in imperious form, amassing 430 runs across both innings (269 and 161), while Akash Deep stunned the English with a match-winning 10-wicket haul. With Bumrah set to return, India's pace stocks appear more threatening than ever.

Team tweaks and tactical talk ahead of Lord’s

Former England captain Mark Butcher believes India will make minimal changes for Lord’s. “Bumrah will come back, and the rest will stay the same,” he said, while Kumar Sangakkara added that Prasidh Krishna might be the one to make way. “Siraj and Akash Deep will play. And they’ll probably retain Washington Sundar at No. 8 for the balance he offers,” Sangakkara added.

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On England’s end, questions loom over their struggling pace unit. Broad admitted Chris Woakes was “unlucky” at Edgbaston but vouched for his strong Lord’s record. However, he warned against rushing in Jofra Archer or Gus Atkinson without adequate match fitness. “England plays well at Lord’s,” Broad said, “but this Indian attack—especially with Bumrah back—could pose a serious threat.”

Rishabh Pant isn’t just a cricketer he’s a moment waiting to happen. Every time he walks out to bat, there’s a buzz. You know something wild, hilarious, or flat-out brilliant is probably coming. That’s exactly why Stuart Broad, one of England’s greatest fast bowlers, couldn’t help but sing his praises on the For the Love of Cricket podcast.

“I don’t think I’ve seen a bigger entertainer,” Broad said. “Everything he does pulls you in. He’s one of those players that makes you want to stop what you’re doing, switch on the TV, or tune in on the radio because you just know something’s coming.” And honestly, he’s spot on. There’s no one quite like Pant in world cricket right now.

Whether it's a one-handed six or a reckless scoop that leaves the dressing room in shock, Pant plays on instinct. He’s unpredictable in the best way possible. And after smashing two stunning centuries in the ongoing series, including one at Headingley that had even England fans applauding, he’s once again reminded everyone why he’s such a rare talent.

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He Doesn’t Follow the Rules of Test Cricket — He Rewrites Them, Ball by Ball

Pant doesn’t just play shots  he creates moments. One ball he’ll make you laugh with a ridiculous scoop, the next he’ll silence the stadium with a monster six into the stands. That’s exactly what Stuart Broad was getting at. It’s not just about numbers or technique  it’s the energy he brings, the unpredictability, the pure joy of watching someone who doesn’t care about convention. He has this rare ability to shift the mood of a game instantly  from tension to excitement, from fear to hope. When Pant is at the crease, it feels like anything can happen, and often does.

In a time where Test cricket often struggles to hold short attention spans, Pant is a player who demands your focus. You don’t scroll your phone when he’s batting  you watch. And the fact that a seasoned legend like Broad who’s bowled to the best of the best for over a decade  puts Pant above all as an entertainer? That’s massive. He’s fearless, flawed, funny, and fascinating. He doesn't just entertain  he changes the vibe of a match, brings people into the game, and makes Test cricket feel alive again. Whether it’s day one or the dying minutes of day five, if Pant’s involved, you know it’s going to be worth watching.

The battle of the heavyweights has almost arrived as the Lord's Cricket Ground gears up to host a blockbuster World Test Championship (WTC) final clash between Australia and South Africa starting on June 11. Australia are the defending champions and will do whatever it takes to defend the crown at any cost. South Africa, on the other hand, are poised to make their maiden appearance in the WTC final, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create glory. The Proteas have played exceptional cricket of late to make it to the top summit and will look to leave no stone unturned to get their hands on the prestigious WTC mace.

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ICC announces commentators for the WTC Final

Ahead of the thrilling clash, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a richly diverse and a star-studded commentary panel comprising as many as 11 commentators from seven Test-playing nations. These feature some of cricket's most iconic voices, including Ravi Shastri, Ian Bishop, Ian Smith, Nasser Hussain, Kevin Pietersen, Dinesh Karthik, Matthew Hayden, Stuart Broad, Graeme Smith, Shaun Pollock, and Mel Jones.

🚨 COMMENTATORS FOR WTC FINAL 🚨

Ravi Shastri, Ian Bishop, Ian Smith, Nasser Hussain, Kevin Pietersen, Dinesh Karthik, Matthew Hayden, Stuart Broad, Graeme Smith, Shaun Pollock, Mel Jones. pic.twitter.com/B1dGTj4nnF

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 10, 2025

Ravi Shastri and Dinesh Karthik have been drafted to the commentary panel, despite India not making it to the WTC Final this time. Shastri brings an unmistakable booming voice and high energy to the microphone, especially in big moments. His voice rises with the tension, and his delivery becomes almost theatrical. Karthik, on the other hand, brings a fresh and insightful voice to the comm box that has made him an instant fan favorite in recent times. 

Whereas, two commentators from the two participating nations have been drafted. Matthew Hayden and Mel Jones will comprise the Australian contingent, and Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock will form the South African contingent. Both Hayden and Mel are considered highly renowned voices in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and are equipped with a fast cricketing IQ. Hayden brings a no-nonsense, bold, “go hard or go home” approach to his analysis, while Mel has a more balanced tone, which is both engaging and pleasant to hear. 

From the South African point of view, Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock are also considered some of the most revered voices in world cricket. Having captained his national side in over 100 Tests, Smith's commentary primarily revolves around strategic depth, often explaining captaincy calls, field settings, and psychological aspects of the game. Pollock, being a former world-class all-rounder, brings superb technical insight into bowling.

Other iconic voices feature Ian Bishop and Ian Smith from the West Indies and New Zealand, respectively, and three from the host nation, including Nasser Hussain, Kevin Pietersen, and Stuart Broad. These legendary voices, who once played the game at the highest level, bring an extraordinary amount of experience with them. They will now be tasked with entertaining the viewers with their insightful and engaging commentary in the much-anticipated WTC Final.

The countdown for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) Final clash draws to a close as South Africa and Australia gear up for a mouthwatering showdown at the Lord's Cricket Ground on June 11. While Australia have already made it to the WTF final once, for South Africa, it remains an unfamiliar territory. 

However, South Africa's chances of triumphing in the summit clash have been bolstered following the inclusion of Stuart Broad, who will act as a bowling consultant for the Proteas. Broad will take part in South Africa's preparatory work starting from June 9, just prior to the kick-off of the WTC Final. This will also be his first coaching assignment since his international retirement in 2023.

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Broad's experience holds key to SA's success 

The legendary English seamer has a wealth of experience in red-ball cricket, a format in which he thrived the most. Across 164 Test outings, Broad emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker for England in red-ball cricket with 604 scalps under his kitty. The legendary paceman trails marginally behind his own teammate, Jimmy Anderson. 

During his prime days, Broad used to be a thorn in the side of the Australian team. He went on to bag 153 wickets against the Aussies, the most by any player in Test cricket history. Besides, he has also claimed over 100 Test scalps at Lord's as well, making him one of the most revered bowling personalities in international cricket. 

Broad's expertise will prove vital for the South African team as he has first-hand experience in operating under these conditions. Under his guidance, South Africa can benefit the most and would have high hopes of dethroning Australia in the upcoming WTC final.

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, ended his illustrious career with 705 Test wickets after bowling 40,031 legal deliveries, the most by a fast bowler in the history of cricket. Although Anderson missed a fairy tale farewell similar to his former bowling partner Stuart Broad, his final Test match was a testament to his enduring class and remarkable career.

James Anderson’s legendary career

James Anderson’s career is filled with numerous highlights and milestones that have cemented his place as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. Making his debut in 2003, Anderson played 188 Tests over 19 years, consistently delivering match-winning performances. He holds the record for the most wickets, most deliveries, and most matches by a fast bowler, showcasing his longevity and endurance in a demanding role.

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The final test match

In his final Test match against the West Indies, England hammered the visitors by an innings and 114 runs, bowling them out for 136 in the second innings. The match lasted only two days and a session, with Anderson taking four wickets, including a three-wicket haul. Despite a stellar debut performance by Gus Atkinson, who picked up 12 wickets, it was Anderson who led the team off the ground to a standing ovation from the Lord’s crowd.

Missed fairy-tale farewell

Anderson’s retirement came shortly after Stuart Broad announced his departure from all forms of cricket. Broad fittingly took a wicket with the final ball he bowled to win the Test for England. Anderson, however, missed out on this iconic moment. In his last over, Anderson bowled to Motie, who was beaten on the flick with a short-of-length delivery. An appeal for LBW was half-hearted and dismissed due to the height and angle down leg.

Anderson’s Last Over

In the 44th over of the West Indies’ second innings, Anderson had the chance to end his career on a high note with a wicket. However, he dropped a straightforward return catch, a rare lapse in an otherwise impeccable career. The crowd remained supportive, appreciating Anderson’s contributions over the years.

England’s dominant victory

England’s comprehensive victory was marked by Gus Atkinson’s remarkable debut. The 26-year-old pacer picked up seven wickets in the first innings and five in the second, overshadowing Anderson’s farewell performance. Nonetheless, Anderson’s presence and leadership on the field were evident as he guided the young bowler.

Anderson’s emotional send-off

The Lord’s crowd gave Anderson a fitting send-off, rising to their feet to applaud his efforts. Anderson received a guard of honour from his teammates at the start of the day’s play, an emotional moment that he handled with grace. His composure and humility were on full display as he bowed out of international cricket.

Career statistics

James Anderson’s career statistics are a testament to his greatness. With 705 wickets in 188 Tests, he stands as the highest wicket-taking fast bowler in history. His tally of 40,031 deliveries is a record for fast bowlers, reflecting his consistency and endurance.

James Anderson in Test cricket
Mats: 188
Wkts: 704
Avg: 26.45
SR: 56.8
ER: 2.79
BBI: 7/42
BBM: 11/71
5-fer: 32
10-fer: 3

Gus Atkinson’s remarkable debut

Gus Atkinson’s debut performance was a highlight of Anderson’s farewell match. The young pacer’s 12-wicket haul showcased his potential and hinted at a bright future for England’s bowling attack. Anderson’s mentorship and guidance were evident as he partnered with Atkinson on the field.

Gus Atkinson’s two 5-fers in the match is the first time for an England bowler on debut since 1934 and the first by a pacer since 1972 when Bob Massie (AUS) took against England at Lord’s.

Stuart Broad, renowned pace bowler of the England National Cricket Team, has responded to recent rumors regarding the exclusion of Virat Kohli, the esteemed batting stalwart of the India National Cricket Team, from the lineup for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, slated for June in the West Indies and USA.

On Tuesday, March 12, reports surfaced indicating uncertainty surrounding Virat Kohli’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad. According to sources cited by ‘The Telegraph,’ the BCCI selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, harbors doubts about Kohli’s batting suitability for the anticipated conditions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA, particularly with expectations of slower-paced pitches during the tournament.

Empowering the selection committee and team management to make strategic decisions aimed at breaking India’s ICC title drought, the BCCI may opt for a squad reshuffle to prioritize aggressive batting, possibly favoring players like Shivam Dube over Kohli, as per reports.

Broad Challenges Reports, Backs Kohli for T20 World Cup

Allegedly, Ajit Agarkar advised Kohli to adopt a more attacking approach in T20Is, a suggestion Kohli tested during his return against Afghanistan in January, where he posted a promising 29 runs off 16 balls in his initial match but faced dismissal without scoring in the subsequent game.

“This can’t be true. Just from a fan’s point of view of growing the game, the ICC putting games on in America, India Vs Pakistan in New York, Virat is the biggest draw of any player in the world. I’m sure he will be selected,” the England National Cricket Team bowling great posted.

Kohli’s stellar T20I record, boasting 4037 runs in 117 matches at an impressive average of 51.75 and a strike rate of 138.15, highlights his significance. His remarkable performance in the T20 World Cup 2022, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and delivered a memorable innings against Pakistan under immense pressure, further underscores his indispensability to the Indian squad.

In light of Kohli’s consistent contributions and past successes, Broad’s skepticism towards reports of his exclusion resonates with many cricket enthusiasts, who await official announcements regarding India’s T20 World Cup squad selection.

600+ wickets, 166 Tests and 17 years at the highest level, Stuart Broad has seen it all. From making his debut in white-ball cricket in 2006 to sledging and being schooled by Sourav Ganguly, and later being hit for a career-changing 6 sixes in an over, Stuart Broad did not have the best initiations to International Cricket.

What Stuard Broad did have though was passion and aggression. His competitive spirit was what separated him from his teammates as Broad generally was the one to spark the engine as England get ready for battle. Even before the current Ashes series, it was Stuart Broad who began the mind games when he spoke about his desire to watch Steve Smith bat a certain way.

Over his 17 years, Stuart Broad has worked his magic throughout the World and also went through some tough times as England threatened to take the new-ball away from him on quiet a few occasions. A crucial part of his career though will always be his battles against Australia.

For a player who has watched Australia at their best while growing up, Stuart Broad tried to emulate their brand of aggression and competitiveness. He started his Ashes journey in 2009 and has since gone on to take 151 wickets, the most by an English Cricketer against Australia. Overall, in Australia-England encounters, Stuart Broad stands third, behind his idols Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

The Ashes would continue to be his defining point as Stuart Broad was hot topic during the ten Tests which took place between the two sides in 2013-2014. When Stuart Broad chose not to walk after edging a delivery, he became public enemy number one in Australia. The crowd was very hostile when he went to Australia later that year, and both him and England would not like to remember that series as Mitchell Johnson haunted them with his thunderbolts.

Broad though had his moments to brag in the first Test as he took five wickets in front of a crowd that wanted to see the worst happen to Stuart Broad at Brisbane. Despite Australia’s dominance, Broad stood out as his character was lauded by the English media in the face of some hostile performances from their opposition. He had more moments of redemption in 2015. After a bad World Cup, and a tough period in white-ball cricket where he briefly led the T20 side, Broad shifted his focus solely towards Test Cricket as England’s white-ball team changed direction.

He extended his run-up, started coming around the wicket more and from here on his dominance against David Warner began. He took 21 wickets in the 2015 Ashes series, often filling in when James Anderson missed out too injury. His 8-15 came in that series when he ripped the Australian batting line-up apart setting up a one-sided affair on a day where it all came through perfectly for him.

Stuart Broad though struggled in the away Ashes that followed in 2017, leading to questions over his longevity, and talks about the new ball being taken away from him with a new partner in search for James Anderson. He took ten wickets across the ten Tests in his worst haul against the Australians as England were left hoping for miracles from James Anderson, which he did provide on a few occasions like the Pink Ball Test where he kept them alive with a five-for.

The story didn’t end there though, despite talks of losing the new ball, Stuart Broad, a man who loves competition earnt it back with a strong performance against India. He peaked once more in the 2019 Ashes stepping up in the absence of James Anderson. With 19 wickets, Broad was at it again, and this time he haunted David Warner who was dismissed by him nine times in ten innings. His battle with Warner was the highlight as Stuart Broad continued to haunt him, dismissing him a record 17 times throughout his career.

Stuart Broad though still had some incomplete business in Australia. For a player who loves playing against Australia, Stuart Broad’s record in 2017 was dismal. He went back once more time in 2022 and cranked it up. His pace was good throughout the series and in the three Tests he played, Stuart Broad managed a five for and a haul of 13 wickets, reigniting his love for bowling against the Australian team.

If 2022 was a redemption, 2023 was going up higher. The last fourteen months has seen Stuart Broad bowl in a new manner under the new leadership, with the captain and coach looking for his aggressive style. He was dropped after the 2022 Ashes but the new group wanted him back and Broad has delivered ever since his return. In his Final Ashes, Stuart Broad opened up the first Test dismissing Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith in quick time to set up the battle.

Throughout the series, along with Mark Wood, Stuart Broad was the one England turned to when they needed something special. With the media too, Broad was the one who started the mind games and with the bat Broad had his moments with Alex Carey after the Bairstow incident. To cap off his Final Test against Australia is a special moment for England’s leading wicket-taker against Australia.

Along with Stuart Broad the bowler, Stuart Broad the batter too was one to talk about. A decent left-hander, Broad had his numbers with his name on the Lords Honours board as well. He was pretty confident up until a Varun Aaron bouncer to the nose shook him up. Broad though found some more confidence in the Bazball period as the nighthawk, a role given by Ben Stokes.

It was a fitting moment to see him launch his final ball as a batter for six, and to take a wicket off his last ball too was just as fitting as he closed the Test match with a beautiful delivery to Alex Carey. His moment came through well and is now past as Stuart Broad walks away with 604 wickets behind him.

Stuart Broad, running in from James Anderson is bowling in his 17th year in international Cricket. It is from the very James Anderson end where Stuart Broad went on to join his friend, and partner in crime over the last decade in the 600 wicket club. Incidentally, both of them are the only pacers who have scaled the height of 600 Test Wickets. He got their with a bouncer at 82 MPH, which is not how he normally gets his wickets. Most of his wickets have been edges to the slip with Broad finding ways to make the ball sing to his tunes.

A short ball though had Travis Head hole out to Joe Root, who has taken a number of Stuart Broad’s edges at slip to give Stuart Broad his 600th Test Wicket. When Broad went through his previous milestones though he was quick to acknowledge that most of his milestone wickets were taken away from the slips and in unconventional positions. To get to 600 with a short ball is fitting considering the tenure he has played under in the last 14 months.

With his height and reasonable pace, Stuart Broad has probably bowled more bouncers in the Stokes-McCullum Tenure than he has done in his entire career. Thanks to his competitive nature, and flexibility, he has been able to fit in beautifully with England’s new aggressive style of play. The 600 mark speaks a lot about his longevity, and throughout his career Stuart Broad has managed to maintain the same levels of passion and aggression.

Prior to the series, it was Broad who led the way to start the mind games when he spoke about his desires of getting the Australians out in a certain manner. Four Tests later, after being dropped after the previous Ashes, Stuart Broad stands at the top of the wickets chart in the current Ashes series, against his favorite opponents.

His stats back the claim that they are his favorite opponents as well with Stuart Broad only behind Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath on the wickets chart in England-Australia Tests. The fact that the milestone came against them will make Broad all the happier as he now stands in a spot where only stand along with him.

An Ashes series always involves a lot of banter in its build-up, and Stuart Broad, as always is the on leading the way. Over his career, he has always shown a lot of competitive spirits, and now, with the backing of a really passionate captain, Stuart Broad has not hesitated to speak up before the Ashes. He has already made the headlines with his statement that England has voided the last Ashes tour due to Covid restrictions.

He is into his 17th year of international cricket and does not seem like he will be slowing down anytime soon. He’s moved quite a bit from when he expressed displeasure at being rested for a Test against West Indies in 2020, coming back to bring up some strong numbers. Earlier in 2022 as well, Stuart Broad was not pleased with being left out during the Caribbean tour, as he was left wondering if his Test Career was coming to an early end.

A year later, Stuart Broad is still bowling with the same spirit and energy as he walks into his ninth Ashes tour as excited as ever. His competitive edge was on display during the Ireland Test with Stuart Broad leading an attack that was without James Anderson, Ollie Pope and Mark Wood. Broad too had the option of missing out but chose to stay in and continue to lead a young attack.

With weeks to go for the Ashes, Stuart Broad has started the banter and fun. He has already said that he hopes Steve Smith tries to mimic England’s style of play. Steve Smith in the past has been England’s biggest thorn, having score a truckload of runs against the English bowling attack.

The Ashes will mark the return of another interesting battle, David Warner vs Stuart Broad. Last time David Warner was in England for a Test series, Stuart Broad haunted him taking Warner’s wickets seven times in five Tests.

The upcoming contests mark a decade of Broad vs Warner as the pair went on to lock horns in 45 innings after that. This time around though there is some uncertainty with their battle. Stuart Broad, like the other English pacers, is likely to only play three of the five Ashes Tests. David Warner on the other hand could well have his Test career decided by the second Ashes Test.

The Ashes are known to end Test careers and with Warner’s form in Test Cricket poor in recent times, his performance in the World Test Championship Final could decide how long he stays on for. David Warner though will not be fazed. He has made his name batting aggressively, and with Stuart Broad having the better of him, David Warner will relish the challenge and will not hold back when the two faces off.

With two weeks to go, Stuart Broad will be hoping to get back the Ashes for England for the first time since 2015. They’ve had some poor numbers against Australia in recent times and in what could be Broad’s last home Ashes, Broad and England will be desperate to make things right.

Stuart Broad’s dismissal of Conway, castled through the gate attempting a lavish drive, took him and Anderson to 1,002 wickets in the 133 Tests they have played together, above the haul of 1,001 managed by Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne for Australia across 104 games.

Stuart Broad’s subsequent removals of Williamson and Latham were brilliant – the 36-year-old nipping a delicious delivery back through the gate to bowl the right-handed Williamson and then doing likewise to poleaxe the left-handed Latham, shortly after having Latham dropped by Zak Crawley at slip during one of his trademark game-altering spells.

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Stuart Broad’s magic puts England on brink of its first Test victory

The seamer then smashed the stumps of first-innings centurion Blundell after Ollie Robinson had nicked off Henry Nicholls (7). A shell-shocked home side ended on 63-5 – Michael Bracewell (25no) and Daryl Mitchell (13no) extending the game into at least a fourth day – but England are closing in on a 10th victory in 11 Tests since Ben Stokes became captain and former Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum head coach as well as a first in New Zealand since 2008, the tour on which Anderson and Broad were first paired.

Broad began the day with the bat in his hand, having come out as England’s ‘nighthawk’ on the second evening once Crawley was caught behind off home debutant Blair Tickner (3-55). Stuart Broad made himself and James Anderson the record wicket-taking partnership in Test history as he shredded New Zealand during a stunning spell to put England on course for victory in the pink-ball game at Mount Maunganui.