Broad runs free

Stuart Broad is keen to prove himself as a reliable batsman © Getty Images

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Stuart Broad has set his sights on developing into an international-class all-rounder as England prepare for the first npower Test against New Zealand.

The Nottinghamshire seamer has already shown potential with the bat in his three Test appearances, scoring runs in both innings of the final-Test victory in Napier over New Zealand in March.

He made 42 in the first innings and 31 in the second to help the tourists secure a victory which gave them a 2-1 series triumph.

But he wants to develop into the type of number eight who can deliver runs on a consistent basis in a manner similar to New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori and Australia’s Brett Lee.

“It’s obviously very important in international cricket now to be able to hold a bat,” explained 21-year-old Broad.

“It’s very important for me not just to hold up an end but to have an ability to score runs.

“I have worked on it very hard and it’s great having (batting coach) Andy Flower in the set-up as a former world number one and left-hander, so he’s great to work with and chat to about my batting.

“It’s coming on, I’m enjoying it and working hard on it. My aim is to become a Test number eight.

Broad demonstrates his prowess with the bat during the final Test on the tour of New Zealand

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“If you look at Vettori he must be one of the better ones around and he’s turned himself into a high-class batsman. It’s that sort of example with people like Vettori and Brett Lee that I’d like to follow.”

Renowned more for his aggressive style of bowling than his batting so far, Broad has shown enough in his embyonic international career to suggest he has runs in him and admits to enjoying life at the crease with a bat in his hand.

“I enjoy batting, and hitting a good cover drive gives me almost as much enjoyment as bowling,” he revealed.

“It’s a great buzz batting. I enjoy the battle between batsman and bowler no matter what side I’m on.

“If you look at successful sides they all bat a long way down. We all know at number eight, nine, 10 and 11 that every run is vital.

“There’s nothing worse when you’re a bowling side when the lower-order batsman are hanging around, scoring runs and being difficult to dismiss.

“That is the aim of this side and everyone is working harder to get better, and I think we are.”

The first Test of the three-match series gets under way at Lord’s tomorrow.