Broad happy with England attitude
September 06, 2010 16:33:21 UK
Stuart Broad is pleased that England ignored the controversy surrounding the Pakistan cricket team to claim a comfortable win in the first Twenty20 international.
The tourists were without three suspended players, while the media spotlight was once again directed at off-field activities before the start of yesterday's game.
But the World Twenty20 champions did not let the distraction affect them as they sealed a solid five-wicket win in Cardiff.
England are now 1.44 to win the second Twenty20 International against Pakistan, who are 2.75 for the win. The hosts can currently be backed at odds of 5.50 to retain their crown at the 2012 Twenty20 World Cup.
"There was a lot of media coverage, but at the end of the day we're cricketers," said Broad. "We just need to focus on getting our skills right. As a team we did that fantastically this week.
It's important to play your natural way and not worry about the consequences.
Stuart Broad
"We adapted to conditions really well. The pitch was spinning the spinners bowled fantastically well and kept us in the game.
"What we're really pleased with was the standard of our fielding. On the ground we were fantastic."
England stumbled with the bat at times but were indebted to a competent innings of 33 from Steven Davies, as well as a steady partnership of 67 from Eoin Morgan and Michael Yardy which saw them home.
"We lost a few wickets in a couple of overs which wasn't ideal but we showed fantastic character to win easily in the end," said Broad.
"You've got to be really fearless at the start. It's important to play your natural way and not worry about the consequences."
And after scoring his maiden first-class century in a world record eighth-wicket stand of 332 with Jonathan Trott, Broad is pleased he is finally fulfilling his potential with the bat.
On the question of what has changed, he said: "Belief. Confidence. In the past I haven't scored the runs I wanted to but to get the runs at Lord's was very pleasing.
"Having put the hours in in the nets it was great to help the team out of the position we were in.
"I feel in a good place with the bat."
Broad is 51.00 to top-score against Pakistan in Tuesday evening's match.
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