Stuart Broad: I never watch my matches back on TV
The England fast bowler says he can't face re-living his finest moments on the box, and explains why electronic items are banned in the England dressing room
What’s the view from your sofa? I have a large, light grey L-shaped sofa and a 60-inch curved TV that I bought when I moved into my house in Nottingham two-and-a-half years ago. I’m 6ft 6in and I’m a feet-up kind of man, so my spot on the sofa is the long part. I’m single at the moment, so the other part of the sofa is probably the most unused seating in the world.
As a cricketer, I suppose you like long sessions of not doing much. Are you slumped in front of the TV for days on end? Actually, I’m not really a huge TV watcher. I’m away for the winters on tour playing cricket for England and that’s when I watch it most, but I’m home during the summer and I prefer to keep busy outdoors. The living room has large bi-fold doors onto the patio and garden and I’m more likely to be outside practising my golf shots or cooking on the barbecue than be sat in front of the box. I can easily go a week without turning the TV on.
What are the main things you watch when it is on?
I have friends round for a big sporting event and I like watching golf and my football team, Nottingham Forest, and I follow the Leicester Tigers in rugby union. I’m a Nottingham lad and Forest has been my team since I was a kid, so I love old documentaries about the Brian Clough era, especially us winning the European Cup in 1979 and 1980.
So, it’s wall-to-wall sport in your house? I suppose you even watch your old matches?
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I admit I’m a bit of a cricket geek. I like watching the highlights on Sky of classic matches, like the 2005 Ashes, which is the greatest series of all time. I’m fascinated by the different style of play in the past. But I can’t watch myself. I’ve been involved in some brilliant matches in my career, but I don’t want my memories replaced by TV coverage. It would also be a bit weird if someone walked in and caught me watching myself.
Five days of a Test match must get pretty dull. Do the players chill out in the changing room with a movie when they’re waiting to go out and bat?
No way. All electronic devices are banned in the changing rooms during match days. There’s a TV on in the back, but it’s switched to the match. We’re all totally engaged in what’s happening in the middle because you have to be aware how the ball is turning, or how the field is set up. You can’t ever take your mind off the action.
What do you generally turn to for news and drama?
I don’t ever watch the news, I get it all from Twitter, and I will only pick up a newspaper if I’m on a train. I’m a Netflix man and always have a few series on the go on my laptop when I’m travelling.
What programmes are on your Netflix to-watch list?
Riviera wasn’t bad. It hasn’t blown me away, but I’ll stick with it. Band of Brothers is always on my planner. I have seen the entire series about 20 times, but I love dipping back into it.
Which shows help you switch off?
If I watch something in bed before going to sleep, I will often pull up an old episode of Extras, The Office, or Alan Partridge. A bit of a laugh is a good way to end the day.
The BBC recently announced that it will bring back cricket coverage from 2020. You must be happy about that?
It’s great news. Sky and the BBC are committed to helping build the game from the bottom to the top and anything that makes it more accessible to people is a good decision.
The fourth test begins on Friday 4th August, live on Sky Sports from 10am, highlights from 7pm on Channel 5
