Stuart Broad is setting foot upon the Isle of Wight for the very first time this weekend, although he came within a few yards of doing so last summer.

The England fast bowler will be on duty for Nottinghamshire as first-class cricket returns to the island for the first time since 1962.

Hampshire will host Notts at Newclose Cricket Club, the latest addition in an exciting number of new out-grounds on the domestic calendar.

Last July, Broad was invited to play in an annual match that takes place just off the coast from the island.

“I’ve never been to the Isle of Wight but I’ve been 500 yards off it, playing cricket in the middle of the sea,” says Broad.

“I played cricket at Bramble Bank, which is a bit of land that rises once a year when the tide is split in the Solent.

“Historically, there are two famous sailing clubs on the Isle of Wight and they play each other at cricket, once a year, on this little bit of land for about 45 minutes until the tide comes in and covers it again. Hardy’s Wine sponsors the event and it has been running for years and years.”

Broad helped his side, The Royal Southern Yacht Club, from Cowes, to victory over their traditional rivals, The Island Sailing Club.

“It was great fun,” revealed the 32-year old. “It was a gorgeous morning and we set off in a little sailing boat at about 4.40am.

“The match started at about 6.30am and we wore full whites with the trouser legs rolled up. Everyone had a good time, bashing it around until the tide comes back. They get a good crowd watching, everyone comes in little boats all around to watch.”

Broad is looking forward to making the full journey across the Solent this time and to playing at Newclose for the first time.

“We’re taking cricket to some different places this season,” he said, “which is great for players to experience.

“You make memories of games and grounds you go to and it is a chance for Notts players to remember the Isle of Wight very fondly if someone performs well.”

Broad knows his opposition will be somewhat stronger than for last summer’s jaunt and admits to having a healthy respect for this Hampshire side.

“They are strong, we can hope that England take James Vince and Liam Dawson away from them,” he laughed.

“They are going to a Lord’s final at the end of the week, so whether that plays into their team selection we’ll have to see.

“But they have always been very competitive and like every side in Division One, wherever you go you face a good team.

“We don’t really know what to expect from the pitch because it’s not like we can get many stats on it, but it’s a week we are really looking forward to.”

(Hampshire play Nottinghamshire at Newclose CC, Isle of Wight from Monday-Thursday 20-23 May 2019).

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