The father of England’s legendary fast bowler Stuart Broad, Chris Broad, disclosed that after the 2007 T20 World Cup, he had sent his son an Indian jersey signed by Yuvraj Singh as a Christmas present. Yuvraj made history during that tournament’s famous India-England encounter by hitting six sixes off Stuart in a single over, an accomplishment that has never been surpassed in the tournament’s history.
Early in his international career, Stuart Broad was terrified by being the target of Yuvraj’s explosive batting, which had been set off by a confrontation with Andrew Flintoff on the field. Chris reflected on the incident with his characteristic British wit, recalling that his kid did not appreciate his lighthearted gift of the jersey at the time.
He didn’t like my gesture after Yuvraj Singh smacked him for six sixes. I had Yuvraj autograph an Indian shirt, which I then presented him as a Christmas present. He must have opened the gift, saw it, and tossed it in the trash. Over that, I believe he struggled with humor,” Chris told The Telegraph.
Stuart Broad bounced back from that setback quickly.
He went on to become one of England’s finest Test bowlers, retiring in 2023 with 604 wickets in 167 matches, despite the fact that his T20I career never truly took off following the Yuvraj incident. As a former opening batsman for England, his father Chris was a little disappointed that Stuart Broad was unable to reach his full batting potential. In his Test career, he amassed 3662 runs, although his average was a meager 18.03.
During the early season, he unexpectedly asked me to go into the Trent Bridge nets and toss him some balls. After an hour of work, he went out and scored a few runs for England. He told reporters, “Yes, it’s been fantastic, and I want to thank Paul Farbrace for helping me with my batting.” Hi? How about your great-old father? “But politically, I’ve got to say the right thing,” he replied when I brought it up to him.
Sorry, but you don’t. That was a little disappointing, then. However, I made an effort and told him that I could assist him with his batting. “No, Dad, I’m not interested; I’m a bowler,” he would respond. “I’m not a batsman.” I understand that. He could have been so much better, though,” Chris remarked.
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