England pacer Gus Atkinson in action during Brisbane Ashes Test. (PHOTO: Reuters)
Ahead of the Sydney Test of the Ashes series, former England cricketer Stuart Broad said that pacer Gus Atkinson needs to work on his body language. Giving his analysis on the pace attack of England at the Ashes series Down Under, Broad said Atkinson’s body language is not that of a Test-match bowler.
“Atkinson has amazing attributes,” Broad told Sky Sports. “He still averages under 25 with the ball, he wobbles the seam, he can swing it, he’s tall, he’s consistent, but his body language is not of a Test-match bowler in the battle. He was work to do on that.”
“That doesn’t matter so much when you’re playing teams you should dominate and beat, but not against top teams, so his areas of improvement aren’t attributes or mental ability to cope with pressure, but letting your team know you are leading this group,” said Broad.
On Monday, the 27-year-old Atkinson became the third England pace bowler to be ruled out of the Ashes series because of a hamstring injury. Earlier, pacers Mark Wood and Jofra Archer were ruled out of the series mid-way.
Atkinson has looked flat in the tour and has only picked six wickets at an average of 47. Broad, one of England’s most successful fast bowlers who took 604 Test wickets, wants to see more from Atkinson.
Broad suggested that Atkinson should never let his opposition feel that they are getting on top of him.
“I read a piece about Tiger Woods, who would never look at the floor when golfing. His eyes would always be above the horizon, which is really strong for body language. When I was under pressure or struggling I would keep my eyes above the horizon because then someone couldn’t tell if I’d bowled a good or bad ball. You’re constantly in the battle and your opposition cannot feel like they are getting on top of you.”
England have lost the Ashes in just 11 days of cricket after getting decimated in the first three Tests of the tour. The Ben Stokes-led England pulled back in Melbourne, winning the Test in just two days, but they have been an average touring side in Australia at best.
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