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Broad top villain among England's 'Urinators'

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AFP Sydney
Last Updated : Oct 29 2013 | 2:38 PM IST
England's Stuart Broad is relishing the role of Ashes villain but he won't be the only target of boos in a team dubbed "the Urinators" by the Australian press.
The lanky pace bowler was labelled "public enemy" over his contentious decision not to walk in the first Test of the recent Ashes series, which England won 3-0.
Broad can expect a raucous reception, especially after Australia coach Darren Lehmann called him a cheat and urged fans to send him home crying -- comments that drew a fine.
But he's not alone in a team that drew strong criticism for oafishly urinating on the Oval pitch during beer-soaked celebrations for this year's Ashes win.
Spin bowler Monty Panesar will also be braced for some cat-calls after he was caught, in a separate incident, urinating over bouncers after being thrown out of a nightclub.
Outspoken batsman Kevin Pietersen -- one of the alleged Oval urinators -- is another who often finds himself in the sights of Australian fans.

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But far from playing down the walking controversy, the spiky Broad has fanned the flames by saying he would "look forward to" exchanges during the upcoming series.
"The head coach of Australia has called for a barrage, but I am one of these characters who thrives off a bit of niggle," Broad said.
"It's strange, because off the field I am a shy, quiet person. I prefer to watch a bit of TV at home. But get me on the cricket field and I like it all kicking off.
"So it's something I look forward to. It will be interesting out there. I don't quite know what to expect from the crowds in Australia, but I'm certainly not expecting cheers."
Broad refused to give himself out in the first Test in July when umpire Aleem Dar missed an edged catch to slip, which Australia were unable to challenge because they had used up their two available reviews.
England went on to win a nail-biting match by 14 runs.

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First Published: Oct 29 2013 | 2:38 PM IST

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