Stuart Broad got angry at his partner, said – ‘His body language did not resemble that of a Test bowler’

By Sandy Verma On Jan 3, 2026

Stuart Broad has slammed fast bowler Gus Atkinson for his poor performance during the Ashes 2025-26. Broad expressed his disappointment that he did not become a Test match bowler during this series. Atkinson played three Tests and took only six wickets at an average of 47.33 and a strike rate of 73. He suffered a hamstring injury during the fourth Test in Melbourne and was subsequently ruled out of the fifth match.

Broad said he had no doubts about Atkinson’s ability as a fast bowler, but urged him to show better body language in the red-ball format. Broad told Sky Sports, “Atkinson has great qualities. His average with the ball is still under 25, he moves the seam, he can swing, he is tall, he is consistent, but his body language is not that of a Test-match bowler on the field. He needs to work on that.”

The former England pacer said, “When you are playing against teams that you have to dominate and beat, it doesn’t matter much, but not against the top teams, so his areas of improvement are not qualities or mental ability to deal with pressure, but letting your team know that you are leading the group.”

Broad concluded, “I read an article about Tiger Woods, who never looked at the ground while playing golf. His eyes were always above the horizon, which is very important for body language. When I was under pressure or struggling, I would keep my eyes above the horizon because then no one could tell if I had hit a good ball or a bad one. You are in a constant battle and your opponent should not feel that. That they’re overpowering you.”