Fast Facts:
- Name: Stuart Broad
- Age: 23
- Occupation: Professional Cricketer
- Location: Nottingham, England
- Weight: 85kg
- Height: 6'6"
- Sport: Cricket
Stuart Broad - Q&A
Is the use of sports nutrition products a recent development within cricket?
I have been made aware of sports nutrition really over the last couple of years since I became part of the England squad.
What advantages do sports nutrition products give the England Cricket team?
With professional sports today any advantage that can be gained even if it is only a small percentage is vital, this is where sports nutritional products play such a big role.
After playing they are a key part of muscle recovery, they also help muscle development as part of a weights programme.
What does your weekly training programme consist of?
It really depends on what part of the season it is, if it is pre season then we do a lot of strength and cardio work if it is during a series then I guess it is mostly based around skills work.
How important is recovery for cricketers?
When you are playing in the conditions that we are, i.e extreme heat and for five days on the run then recovery is vital to your performance day in day out. By using something like Maximuscle you can delay the onset of muscular soreness.
What Maximuscle products are used by the England cricket team and at what times are they used?
Maxi-Milk is used by all the guys after a day’s play as it has the correct amount of protein and carbs to optimise recovery.
Would you class cricket as a ‘power’ sport?
Yes definitely, especially bowling.
Do the conditioning and nutrition programmes differ from player to player?
Yes they do all differ dependant upon what skills you have, for example a quick bowler is very explosive and some of the other players are more endurance.
How important is protein to cricketers?
Protein is vital to cricketers to enable growth and repair of muscle and other body tissues.
What is the biggest challenge faced by you and your team?
Performance wise? It is definitely how to recover from a days play and get your performance high for the following day.
What type of conditioning work do the England team undertake?
In terms of myself being a bowler I do mixture of endurance and explosive plyometric training.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I have only had a very short career to date but one moment I did enjoy was Leicestershire 20/20 victory. The Ashes victory has been the highlight to date though. It was an amazing experience and one which will live with me for a very long time.
How do you stay relaxed and focussed when the pressure is on?
I don’t really have a set way of doing this. Part of it is just the person I am that enables me to do this.
Has 20/20 cricket changed the physical demands of the game and the way you train?
The changes 20/20 has produced does make a difference to the physical side any lack of fitness can be quickly highlighted.
Who are your heroes?
I really don’t have one particular hero there are players that I really admire, but not one in particular that I have always followed.
What are your future goals?
I really just want to carry on playing for England and for my club side Notts to be successful.
