Broad optimistic ahead of final two days

Cricket365
November 25, 2017

England seamer Stuart Broad is optimistic that England are still in position to win the first Ashes Test in Brisbane even though the tourist lost two wickets late in the day to hand Australia the edge after day three.

The visitors were struggling on 33/2 at stumps, a lead of only seven runs after the Aussies were bowled out for 328 earlier in reply to England first innings total of 302.

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Broad, however, feels the pitch has flattened out and day four could be the best time to bat.

Speaking to reporters after the day’s play, Broad said: “I think we did pretty well to lose only two wickets. We’d have liked to get out the session unscathed but it really was a brilliant time to bowl.

“Tomorrow will be a bit of a different story, they’ll have to plan for bowling a lot more overs, I hope. It’s in our hands, if we bat well tomorrow we can put Australia under a lot of pressure on day five.

“For a day three pitch, that pitch is very, very slow and flat. It didn’t really turn today, I thought the moisture had gone out the pitch a little bit and I think day three and four will be the best time to bat on this pitch.

“Fortunately it’s our chance to have a bat now.”

Broad was the pick of the England bowlers with figures of 3-49 in 25 overs, while new-ball partner James Anderson also retained control as he went at under two an over in his two for 50.

However, Anderson bowled only three overs with the new ball and was seen to be wincing and feeling his side in the outfield but Broad played down any injury fears for his long-time bowling partner.

Broad said: “He’s fully fit and healthy, he bowled 30-odd overs in the end, I think. He bowled exceptionally, I thought.”