Ashes 2013: England face crucial first hour, says Stuart Broad
Ashes 2013: Stuart Broad says England are facing a crucial first hour on Sunday after Australia finished on 222-5 on day two
Stuart Broad says England are facing a crucial first hour on Sunday after Australia took charge of the fourth Test on day two at Chester-Le-Street.
England made an encouraging start after Broad took three quick wickets to dampen the tourists’ spirit, while Tim Bresnan’s dismissal of Steve Smith reduced the Aussies to 79-4.
However, Shane Watson and Chris Rodgers put on a fifth-wicket stand of 129 runs, with the latter unbeaten on 101 after Watson fell in the evening session to leave Australia on 222-5 in response to England’s 238 all out.
Alastair Cook’s side want to win the series outright despite already retaining the Ashes urn thanks to the third Test stalemate, and Broad wants the hosts to capitalise with the new ball on day three.
“The wicket seamed around us this morning with the harder ball,” Broad told BBC Sport.
“Particularly with Rogers I got the ball to dart across and it was nice to bowl on. We were disappointed not to get more wickets in that period. We put Rogers and Watson down which cost us a few runs but we stuck to our guns.”
He added: “The first hour of tomorrow is very important. If we can get a couple of wickets with the new ball that would put us in a strong position. But Australia know they could also build up a decent lead.”
