Ashes 2015: Stuart Broad says England have done well to keep Michael Clarke quiet
Tuesday 4 August 2015 21:58, UK
Seamer Stuart Broad says England are pleased with the way they have managed to keep Australia captain Michael Clarke quiet during the Investec Ashes series.
Clarke is an important figure at the heart of the Australia line-up but he has endured a tricky 12 months with the bat in Test cricket and has struggled for runs this summer.
The 34-year-old has 28 Test centuries to his name and averages almost 50 runs an innings but has only scored 94 runs in six Ashes innings this series at an average of just 18.80.
Broad said: “We obviously do a lot of research on him because he averages something like 52 in over 110 Tests which is remarkable, the career he's had.
"We talk a lot about him and we're proud of the way we've bowled at him so far. We've made it hard for Michael. We know how dangerous he is, he is such a key player for them, and it's been going well so far."
After last week’s third Test victory at Edgbaston, England lead the series 2-1, and they could regain the Ashes if they win the fourth Test at Trent Bridge, which starts on Thursday.
However, the hosts will be without key bowler James Anderson, which could make their task a little more difficult.
Broad said: "It's about resetting our minds again this week. It's going to be a slightly different attack with Jimmy missing out, but it's about making sure we are right on the money.
"Cooky (captain Alastair Cook) is very clear that it's all about us this week. It's about making sure our game plan is dead right and not to worry too much about what the Aussies are doing.
"We know they are a dangerous team. None of the Tests have been very close have they? Not like 2005, where each game went to the wire. It's been a fascinating series."
The raucous crowds have been getting involved in the series and Australia paceman Mitchell Johnson was targeted by the home fans at Edgbaston.
Broad knows the feeling, having been on the receiving end from the home fans during the 2013/14 series in Australia after he famously refused to walk during the 2013 Trent Bridge Ashes Test.
Broad said: “I enjoy the rivalry, I like the banter that flies around. You need those villain-type characters to get the crowd going. Mitch is obviously the Aussie who gets it from the English crowd.
"Every time he comes on to bowl, everyone goes back to their seats, because they want to see how he bowls and how he reacts to the crowd.
"It was the same for me in Australia. Every time I came on to bowl I got a lively reception. It is something I have gone through and quite enjoyed.
“It is not often you get booed by 60,000 people and it is something I can tell the grandkids."
Watch the fourth Ashes Test from Trent Bridge from Thursday August 6 live on Sky Sports Ashes HD. You can also watch the fourth Test with a NOW TV Sports Day Pass. Plus, our Ashes Events Centre - the best of Sky Cricket's analysis at your fingertips - is available on our iPad app.
