'Just enjoying each week, not looking too far ahead' - Stuart Broad on his changed mindset post-Ashes snub

Senior English fast bowler Stuart Broad said that he has changed his mindset since getting dropped from England’s Test squad, following their dismal performance in the Ashes, earlier this year. His bowling partner James Anderson was also axed following Australia’s 4-0 thrashing over the English visitors. Anderson and Broad are the two most prolific wicket-takers of England in Test cricket.

Broad was not part of the three-match Test series in West Indies which the hosts won 1-0. But the 35-year-old found his place in the team again for the ongoing series against New Zealand. He also played a crucial role in England’s five-wicket win over the Kiwis in the series opener at Lord’s by bagging four wickets. This was also the Three Lions’ first Test series since the appointment of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes in their respective roles.

I’ve changed my mindset over the winter and since Hobart: Stuart Broad

Broad said that he has changed his mindset by enjoying each week for what it is, by giving everything, and then resetting himself for the next week as it comes. The seamer admitted to not being sure about representing England again since being dropped from the team. He also added that he wears the Nottinghamshire shirt in the domestic circuit with just as much pride as wearing England’s. 

Broad also spoke about how his bowling partner Anderson thought that he was going to play his last Test match four years ago, yet he has carried on to this day. Broad said that he was just enjoying every day for what it was, and said that he plans to attack this week. England will play their second Test match of the three-match series against New Zealand on June 10 (Friday) in Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

“I’ve changed my mindset over the winter and since Hobart. It’s not looking too far ahead, it’s just enjoying each week for what it is, giving everything, and then reset for the next week,” said Broad, as quoted by India Today. “Jimmy turns 40 this year, four years ago was he thinking 2018 might be his last at Old Trafford? Probably not. That just takes your mind away from enjoying the week.”

“I started this season not knowing if I’d pull on the England shirt again, I was just enjoying every day for what it was. I wear the Notts shirt with the same pride as the England badge and I’ll attack this week with the same mindset: walk out on that first day, look around the stands, and know how lucky I am to be there,” Broad added.