Broad basks in 'brilliant' day

England fast bowler Stuart Broad was delighted to render India's decision to bowl first after winning the toss largely unsuccessful on day one of the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday.
England fast bowler Stuart Broad was delighted to render India's decision to bowl first after winning the toss largely unsuccessful on day one of the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday.
Broad was at the fore of the tourists' capitulation, which slipped from eight for four – and 129 for seven – to 152 all out. He recorded remarkable figures of six for 25 – and was well complemented by fellow right-armer James Anderson's three for 46.
"It was a brilliant day and we're in an extremely strong position, but I must admit I was a little bit disappointed when we lost the toss, just on previous knowledge that Australia got 570-odd batting first here last year, I just assumed it would play like that," said Broad.
"You saw when the sun came out and the blue sky showed its face it got a bit better for batting, so I think we got lucky with the overheads, but we didn't get lucky with the skill we produced. We work very hard on that and we delivered everything we wanted to.
The hosts' response with the bat was not convincing, reaching 113 for three after the relatively early departures of captain Alastair Cook, opener Sam Robson and the left-handed Gary Ballance.
The in-form Ian Bell, however, remained firm on 45 not out. Nightwatchman Chris Jordan, meanwhile, will be eager to justify temporary promotion to fifth in the batting order.
"Overall we've had a fantastic day. Obviously losing Gary in the last over was disappointing but you'd take 39 short with seven wickets in hand. We're hoping for a decent day on Friday," added Broad.
"As I said, the overheads made a big difference today. It felt really noticeable when you were bowling in the sunshine that it didn't quite have that zip."
Latest
-
News
Jos Buttler: I felt anxious and out of place at start of international career
Buttler admits to feeling daunted at being in close proximity to established stars.
-
News
Jacques Kallis admits to warming to the idea of helping arch enemy England
The South African is the third-highest run-scorer in the history of Test cricket.
-
News
Graham Onions admits coaching chance is a huge relief after premature retirement
A back issue sustained on the eve of the Bob Willis Trophy led to the 38-year-old announcing his retirement.
-
News
England fan who waited in Sri Lanka for 10 months excited for cricket to begin
Rob Lewis, who has been in Sri Lanka since March, does not know how he will watch the game, but has been offered a Zoom call with Joe Root.
-
News
Dimuth Karunaratne: We have learned from past errors against England
Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne has challenged his side not to make the same mistakes that saw them slump to a 3-0 series loss.
-
News
I’ve known Dan Lawrence was destined for greatness since he was 16 – Nick Browne
Lawrence was tipped for the top even before his maiden first-class century in 2015.
-
News
Dom Bess could really make mark on Sri Lanka tour, says England captain Joe Root
England captain Joe Root has tipped Dom Bess to use spinning conditions in Galle to prove he can be a leading man in Test cricket.
-
News
On this day in 2009 – Matthew Hayden calls time on international career
The Australia opener scored 8,625 runs in 103 Tests with 30 centuries.
-
News
Justin Langer backs Tim Paine and Steve Smith after criticism
Head coach Justin Langer has come to the defence of Tim Paine and Steve Smith after the pair were criticised for their actions.
-
News
Joe Root ready to have a ball in Sri Lanka
Joe Root’s runs and captaincy are likely to be crucial to England’s Test prospects in Sri Lanka, but he stands ready to do his part.