Former England bowler Stuart Broad has criticized Gus Atkinson for his disappointing performance during the Ashes, with the visitors going 1-3 against Australia. The cricketer turned commentator said that Atkinson has natural ability with the ball, but his body language is not that of a Test match bowler.
Atkinson was expected to be a key part of England’s plans for the Ashes. However, his series did not live up to expectations, as he took only six wickets in the three Test matches at an average of 47.33 and a strike rate of 73. He suffered a hamstring injury during the Fourth Test in Melbourne, which ruled him out of the series finale.
His body language is not like that of a Test match bowler – Stuart Broad criticizes Gus Atkinson
Stuart Broad said that Gus Atkinson has the skills necessary to succeed, including mobility and consistency. However, Broad felt that Atkinson needed to improve his body language and show more leadership when leading the attack during difficult moments.
“Atkinson has amazing qualities,” Stuart Broad told Sky Sports. “His average with the ball is still under 25, he can swing the seam, he can swing it, he is tall, he is consistent, but his body language is not like that of a Test match bowler in battle. He had to work on it.”
He said, “It doesn’t matter so much when you are playing such teams that you should dominate and beat, but not against top teams, so his areas of improvement are not attributes or mental ability to deal with pressure, but letting your team know that you are leading this group.”
Your opposition can’t feel like they’re overpowering you – Stuart Broad
Stuart Broad said that Gus Atkinson should not let the batsmen feel that they are above him. He said that body language plays a big role, especially when things are not going well.
Broad continued, “I read an article about Tiger Woods, who never looked at the floor when playing golf. His eyes were always above the horizon, which is really strong for body language.”
“When I was under pressure or struggling I kept my eyes above the horizon because then no one could tell if I bowled a good or bad ball. You are in a constant battle and your opponent can’t feel like they are overpowering you.”
England trail 1-3 in Ashes series against Australia
England lost the Ashes series against Australia in just 11 days. The Ben Stokes-led side suffered defeats in the first three Tests as they struggled to compete for long periods of time.
England got some relief in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match ended in two days and there was a lot of criticism about the pitch, which was helping the fast bowlers a lot. Around 36 wickets fell in the first two days.
Australia was out for 152 runs in its first innings and 132 runs in its second innings. England responded by scoring 110 and 178 for 6, chasing the target and winning by four wickets.
That win helped England end an 18-match losing streak in Australia and marked their first Test win in almost 15 years. However, Australia still leads the five-match Ashes series 3–1.
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