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'It Steeled Me Up To Make Me The Competitor...': Stuart Broad Credits Yuvraj's Six Sixes for His Growth

image-lkpa2ceaYuvraj Singh hit six consecutive sixes to Stuart Broad (Twitter)

England fast bowler Stuart Broad announced his retirement from international cricket in an emotionally charged press conference following Day 3 of the final Ashes 2023 Test at The Oval.

Broad reflects on Yuvraj's six sixes after announcing retirement

Broad, one of England's most successful bowlers, took the opportunity to look back at his storied career, particularly focusing on a transformative event that shaped his competitive spirit.

At the age of 37, Broad retires as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in Tests, claiming 602 scalps at an impressive average of 27.66. However, his journey to the pinnacle of the sport included its fair share of challenges, none more famous than being hit for six consecutive sixes by former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.

Broad acknowledged that the day when he was hit for six sixes was undeniably challenging. At the time, he was around 21 or 22 years old, and the experience taught him valuable lessons. He used that incident as a turning point to develop a comprehensive mental routine, recognizing his shortcomings as an international performer during that moment.

“Yeah, it was obviously a pretty tough day. What would I have been: 21, 22? [22] I learned loads. I pretty much based a whole mental routine through that experience knowing that I was left very short as an international performer in that moment,” said Broad.

Watch: Yuvraj Singh six sixes video


The English veteran also admitted to having rushed his preparation, lacking a pre-ball routine, and struggling to maintain focus. However, he transformed the setback into a catalyst for creating what he refers to as his 'warrior mode.'

“I'd rushed my preparation. I didn't have any sort of pre-ball routine. I didn't have any focus, particularly, and I started building my 'warrior mode' that I call it after that experience," added the legendary speedster.

In hindsight, Broad expressed that he wished he hadn’t been hit for six sixes. However, he found some consolation in the fact that it occurred in a dead rubber match. 

The England stalwart believed that this experience toughened him mentally, transforming him into the fierce and determined competitor he is today. According to him, it served as a significant driving force that has pushed him forward to achieve great heights in his cricketing career.

“Ultimately, of course, I wish that didn't happen. I think what really helped me was it was a dead rubber, so it didn't feel like I'd knocked us out of the World Cup or something. But I think it steeled me up to make me the competitor I am to this day and has driven me forward a huge amount,” concluded Broad.