Can Stuart Broad conquer his final frontier?

Can there still be any unconquered conquest for a player who has featured in 144 Test matches for his country? Can there still be a ‘final frontier’ for a bowler who is the 7th highest wicket-taker in history and is only the second England bowler to take more than 500 Test wickets?

Stuart Broad is a legend of the modern era. The right-arm pace bowling legend has taken a staggering 517 wickets in the whites for his country and etched his name in history as one of the greatest to have ever touched the red cherry. But even then, there is something that sticks out as a blemish in his illustrious career.

And, Broad will get the opportunity to erase the blemish in a few days’ time, in the four-match Test series against India on Indian soil. So, in this article, let us analyze some numbers to understand the final frontier that stands in front of Stuart Broad.

One word to describe Stuart Broad’s record in Tests in India – ABYSMAL

Broad has had forgettable returns in the Tests that he has played on Indian soil. And, his record in India has been abysmal. His record in India sticks out like a sore thumb. Among all the places that he has played Test cricket in, th pacer averages the worst in India.

In fact, India is the only country where he averages in excess of 50 (53.90). Also, among the countries where he has played a minimum of 5 Test matches, Stuart Broad has taken the least wickets in India and the same goes with his strike-rate as well.

Stuart Broad and the ‘Home Away’ divide versus India

Now, let us go ahead and analyze Broad’s performances against India in Tests played at home, and in Tests played away from home. The gulf will be clearly visible.

Woah. The divide is just massive. In Tests played against India at home, Stuart Broad averages an excellent 20.96. He has taken 60 wickets in 14 games against India at home at a strike rate of 47.90. Also, he has picked two five wicket hauls as well.

But then, in Tests played against India in India, his record is miserable. In the 6 matches played in the Indian sub-continent, he has taken just 10 wickets and averages a high 53.90. His strike rate too is almost touching 100 (99.0) in Tests played against India away from home.

Stuart Broad – In a win or a draw in various countries

Yet again, when we look at Broad’s numbers in a win or a draw in India, they are just terrible. His average is again the worst in India in a win or a draw (93.33), and the strike rate is 168.00. Also, his economy rate in a win or a draw in India is the highest as well (3.33). When it is compared to his record in other countries like Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa, the difference is massive.

In Conclusion

There is no doubt that Stuart Broad is a legend of the game. But then, when he looks at his numbers in India, he will surely not be a happy man. He has endured torrid times in India with the ball, and the numbers stand testimony to the same. But then, Broad has an opportunity to remove the blemishes. He has the opportunity to have another go on Indian soil.

India is indeed Broad’s final frontier. It remains to be seen if he can breach it.