A slump in form almost cost him his Test place for the 2011 series against India but having survived the cut he responded with a Man-of-the-Series display, including the first Test match hat-trick to be recorded at Trent Bridge, in what was viewed as a career-defining period.

Broad's form with the ball was one of the few positives as England suffered a 3-0 whitewash against Pakistan in February 2012 and he began the domestic Test season in splendid form, against the West Indies at Lord's, taking 11 wickets in the match, including a Test career-best 7 for 72 in the first innings, which made him only the eighth player to earn the distinction of being on two honours boards at the home of cricket. His four in the second innings made him the first bowler to take 10 wickets or more in a matchhhh