Stuart Broad defends 'bazball' training approach amid Alastair Cook's criticism
What's the story
Former England pacer Stuart Broad has defended the training approach under coach Brendon McCullum and Test captain Ben Stokes. Meanwhile, his response follows Alastair Cook's remarks on the Load of BS on Sport podcast, where the ex-opener questioned the relaxed nature of training sessions. Cook's skepticism comes after England's early exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy and their series loss in India. "I see the setup now with McCullum and Stokes, and it's much more relaxed," Cook had stated.
Training ethos
Broad clarifies relaxed training environment
In response to Cook's comments, Broad took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify the relaxed training environment. He wrote, "It's more relaxed on match days. To try & create an environment where players can be themselves and play without fear." "My experience of training under Baz & BS was as it always was at the top level," Broad further added.
Player responsibility
Broad stresses importance of player commitment in training
Broad further elaborated on the importance of player commitment in training. He said, "What I mean by the players approach. If the player doesn't train well & improve, that player won't survive at the top level & it will show." He highlighted that players who have had long careers are often those who train diligently. "The players with longevity are the best trainers. Cook. Root. Stokes. Anderson. Buttler. KP. Collingwood. Bell. JMB. Woakesy to name a few," he added.
Player remarks
Broad addresses criticism of England players' comments
Broad also spoke about the recent criticism toward England's players over comments by Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone. On X, when asked if England's players are trying to out-stupid each other, Broad agreed some of the comments from the players in the press conference were poor. "That's more of a judgement of certain players being able to portray it in the right way rather than a judgement of Baz. Listen to him speak. He's very good," he further added.
Recent form
A look at England's recent form in ODIs
As mentioned, England suffered another early exit from an ICC ODI event following their 2023 World Cup disappointment. They also had a poor white-ball tour of India, winning just one of five T20Is and suffering a 3-0 ODI series whitewash. In the 2025 Champions Trophy, England failed to win a single game. They lost to Australia by five wickets, suffered an eight-run defeat to Afghanistan, and ended their campaign with a seven-wicket loss to South Africa.
Twitter Post
Broad's X post in reply to Cook's comments
It’s more relaxed on match days. To try & create an environment where players can be themselves and play without fear. My experience of training under Baz & BS was as it always was at the top level. There to improve. The quality of training is always down to the players approach. https://t.co/sFsXjudG7C
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) March 6, 2025