Fit-again Broad Breathes life into England Attack

A fit-again Stuart Broad showed just why England are so keen to have the fast bowler firing on all cylinders come this summer’s Ashes, taking 6-51 in the first innings of the washed-out second Test against New Zealand.

After missing much of the pre-Christmas tour of India with a heel injury, Broad now looks capable of bowling at his maximum capacity without pulling up.

An encouraging return to action in Dunedin was followed up with his electric performance in Wellington, collecting 6-51 and producing the sort of consistent line-and-length that has made him such an integral part of England’s Test side.

The heel problem, although not something that will ever completely go away, has been significantly improved to the point where Broad is confident of bowling full-pelt without fear of breaking down.

“I managed to get my heel right over Christmas, and it’s nice to be able to attack the crease with confidence – knowing 10 times your body weight is going through your heel, and it can withstand it,” he told the cricket betting news.

“It’s almost getting used to the impact again, and touch wood I’ve not felt it for about two-and-a-half weeks. That’s really encouraging and I feel confident – like I can tear in, and my speeds are pretty good as well.”

There had been some real concern from betting news pundits as to whether or not Broad’s place in England’s Ashes plans was as secure as it had been this time last year. But the England selectors will have been as happy as anyone to see Broad back firing on all cylinders during New Zealand’s first innings in Wellington.

The hope will now be that the rest of England’s bowling attack will be injury-free by the time Australia arrive this summer.

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