Stuart Broad says communication has been the key to forming one of the most potent opening bowling partnerships in Test history with James Anderson.

The pair have taken 883 red-ball wickets for England when bowling in tandem – and the Nottinghamshire right-armer has credited their collaborative spirit as a key driver of that success.

"You are constantly working together, you share everything,” he told Sky Sports.

“Jimmy and I talk about everything on that first morning - what lengths suit this pitch, how we are going to work out a certain batsman.

"Sometimes we will say 'let's make a batsman leave 12 balls each and then one of us will try a nip-backer'.

"We don't look at it as 20 wickets to win a Test match, we see it as 'how can we set this first hour of the game up on our side rather than the opposition's'."

Even after spending over a decade sharing the new ball for their country, Broad feels the duo’s work together is improving – especially after a tweak to their usual fielding positions.

The 33-year-old has frequently found himself employed in the outfield throughout his career, with Anderson often ensconced in the slip cordon.

However, a change to this practice has reaped rewards.

"I feel we have communicated more since we have moved to mid-on or mid-off when each other is bowling,” he said.

"We always want someone who is bowling at the other end at mid-on or mid-off.

“If you are grazing at fine leg you are not learning anything from each other, not really supporting each other in that ten-over period.

"We also talk a lot about passing spells onto the next guy.

“It's no good me bowling six overs and then in my final one thinking, 'I'm going to go for an easy wicket here' and then get taken for 12. If the pressure stays, it's likely the next guy will get a wicket."

"You are constantly working together, you share everything... and I feel we have communicated more since we have moved to mid-on or mid-off when each other is bowling."

Stuart Broad

Broad and Anderson have been similarly prolific throughout their illustrious careers, with both amongst the leading wicket-takers of all time in Test cricket.

But their demeanour on matchdays could hardly be more different.

"There is no point speaking to him before 9am, before 11 really!” joked Broad.

“He'll be like 'why are you speaking to me?'

“Let him run, let him find his own mood and then pick the right time to have a chat.

"I remember last year in a Test against West Indies in St Lucia that before the first ball of the innings was bowled, Jimmy wanted his fine leg squarer and Rooty wanted him finer.

"Jimmy was like 'I'm not bowling unless he goes squarer'. I was at mid-off like 'the game's not going to start here!'"

"I love the competitive side of cricket, the moment of winning, working a batsman out, getting a wicket, but he just loves any sort of bowling and is at his happiest just trucking in.

"He always wants one more over whereas I'm very different. I'm like, 'Rooty, that's five now, let me have a rest!'

“We are very competitive but our different strengths bring us together.”