Stuart Broad loving ‘magical’ Ashes as England look to inspire the nation

Stuart Broad wants England to inspire a nation this summer after his dramatic late intervention on Monday night set up a cliffhanger conclusion to the First Ashes Test. Broad ripped out the world’s top two batters, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, in a pulsating Edgbaston atmosphere, leaving Australia needing 174 more runs today for victory with seven second innings wickets left.

“They have scored a lot of runs against us so to see the back of them twice in this match without them doing too much damage is awesome,” said Broad. “Waking up tomorrow needing seven wickets to win the Test match is a great feeling.

“But there’s a few results still out there on the table. It’s all set up to be a fantastic day. It always seems to create cricket on a knife-edge here and both teams will come to the ground thinking they have a great chance of winning the game which is a great place for Test match cricket to be.

“I loved every second of that last hour. It was so good hearing the roar running in. It’s so special to play Test match cricket in front of crowds like this. Ashes cricket is just magical isn’t it. It’s just brilliant cricket to be a part of.

“It does feel like there is the same energy as ‘05 and if we have another series like that we’re going to inspire a lot of kids to play the game aren’t we? If the series can be half as good as that I think we will be inspiring the nation.”

Australia were set 281 to win after England were bowled out for 273 in their second innings which would be their biggest successful run chase in an Ashes clash for 75 years. They looked to be well on course – until Broad’s double punch turned the game on its head.

“It wasn’t our greatest 40 minutes but credit where credit is due. They’ve got a world-class bowling attack and Stuart Broad has done it for a number of years,” said Australia spinner Nathan Lyon.

“It’s set up to be a thrilling finish. It has been a hell of a way to start a series. We want to be playing tight series. It’s exciting to be a part of. It’s a challenge and we want to challenge ourselves. I’m backing our boys.”

Australia opener David Warner added: “I think it’s quite even. Hopefully the weather doesn’t hang around too long tomorrow and the fans get to see some entertaining cricket.”