Stuart Broad, the retired England fast bowler famed for his role as an Ashes pantomime villain, has found himself on the receiving end of a decisive dismissal once again – but this time, it was at an airline check-in counter in Melbourne.
From the Crease to the Check-in Counter
The 39-year-old, now a commentator for Channel 7, attempted to board a Qantas flight by joining boarding group three. However, his ticket was promptly and firmly rejected by a flight attendant. The problem? Broad was officially assigned to boarding group four. The official, much like an umpire raising a finger, sent the cricketer on his way, leaving him reportedly frustrated and, in a familiar feeling for Broad, beaten again in Australia.
This minor travel hiccup echoes Broad's well-known reputation on the cricket pitch for refusing to walk when batting, even when video evidence suggested he was out. One incident that immediately springs to mind for cricket fans is his refusal to depart after a clear edge to the slips off Ashton Agar at Trent Bridge during the 2013 Ashes series.
Frustration in the Commentary Box and On the Field
Broad's airport experience comes hot on the heels of a visibly frustrating start to the Ashes series for England. The team threw away the first Test in Perth, a defeat that was sealed by an eight-wicket loss at Optus Stadium.
Cameras in the Channel 7 commentary box captured Broad's clear exasperation as he sat next to Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden, watching the hosts wrestle back the ascendency. When questioned by The Age about the viral vision, Broad acknowledged the raw emotion. 'I think that's a genuine reaction and emotion, and that's why we love Ashes cricket so much,' he said.
He also had a simple explanation for why Australian fans found his reaction so amusing: 'The Aussies are revelling in it because they hate me so much.' His reply to former England captain Mike Atherton's comment that 'it looks like it's going to be a long summer' was a weary, 'is it ever.'
Scrutiny on England's 'Bazball' and Australia's Unchanged Squad
Following the defeat, England's persistence with their 'Bazball' approach at the crease has come under heavy scrutiny. Speaking for many frustrated fans, ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan stated in commentary for Fox Cricket: 'they have the tools to be really competitive, but you can't be competitive without brains.'
Meanwhile, the Australian camp appears far more settled. Australia have named an unchanged 14-man squad for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, which begins on December 4. Captain Pat Cummins will not play at the Gabba as his management continues to handle his return from a back injury. Under-pressure opening batsman Usman Khawaja has retained his place in the squad.
Australia's squad for the second Test is: Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster.
