Broad tweaks bowling action ahead of New Zealand tour
Stuart Broad averaged over 36 with the ball in 2017, his worst year since 2010, but currently sits on 399 Test wickets
ESPNcricinfo staff
14-Feb-2018
Stuart Broad removed Pat Cummins for his fourth wicket • Getty Images
Stuart Broad has been honing his bowling action ahead of England's Test series in New Zealand next month where he will arrive sitting on 399 wickets.
In a pair of tweets posted on Tuesday, Broad explained how he was working on getting more side-on on his delivery stride. In recent times he has found it harder to move the ball away from right handers.
"Working on my action to get more side on. More twist in my shoulders to get my front arm more towards the target, helping my feet align much better," Broad wrote alongside a short video. "Walk throughs give me a great feel of how my body is moving. Some balls come out great, some horrible, but I always say try different things in training cause if something clicks for you it can help your game, no one cares if you get it wrong in the aim for improvement!"
The Ashes was largely a struggle for Broad as he claimed 11 wickets at 47.72 - five of them coming in the fourth Test at Melbourne - his most expensive return in a series of more than three matches, while he finished with his worst Test figures of 0 for 142 in Perth.
Working on my action to get more side on. More twist in my shoulders to get my front arm more towards the target, helping my feet align much better. Walk throughs give me a great feel of how my body is moving. Some balls come out great, some horrible, but I always say try... (1) pic.twitter.com/P2cJDlgYBX
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) February 13, 2018
Broad came in for heavy criticism after the performance in Perth, with former England captain Michael Vaughan questioning his place in the team, but responded with his best outing of the series in Melbourne.
Throughout 2017, Broad found Test wickets harder to come by than previous years, finishing with 30 scalps at 36.06 - his highest average since 2010.
Broad claimed his 399th Test wicket early in Australia's first innings at the SCG last month - when he bowled Cameron Bancroft with his second delivery - but remained short of his next landmark through 29 overs as Australia amassed 649 for 7. He will become the second England bowler after new-ball partner James Anderson to reach 400 wickets.
The first Test against New Zealand, a day-night match at Eden Park, starts on March 22.