Botham, Broad & more: Twitter reacts as England lose first Test

Stuart Broad has urged England cricket fans to ignore ex-playing “experts” after the tourists slumped to a disappointing nine-wicket defeat by India in the first Test.

It prompted a response from former England all-rounder Ian Botham, who defended his own record in the sub-continent, while former Test captain Michael Vaughan praised the tourists’ battling spirit.

Here is the best of the reaction from the professionals – both current and retired – on Twitter.

Ahead of day five, Matt Prior ‏(@MattPrior13) is optimistic after Cook’s battling 168: “Thanks for all the great msgs. Awesome from Cooky today but a lot more work to do. All we can do is keep fighting! #digin”

Bowler Broad ‏(@StuartBroad8) admitted India deserved to win – before taking a swipe at the ex-professionals: “India outplayed us. A few positives but on the whole poor so sorry for that. Onwards and upwards…And before you listen to too many ex playing ‘experts’ being negative, ask them if they ever won a Test series in India….#28years”

But England legend Botham ‏(@BeefyBotham) responds: “@StuartBroad8 Didn’t average 40+ with the ball overseas…! Not sure what I scored against India with the bat..? #justsaying”

Former umpire and Sky Sports pundit David Lloyd ‏(@BumbleCricket) praises India after they wrap up a nine-wicket win: “Excellent cricket from India today … Great response after Sunday. Very good victory.”

England’s Kevin Pietersen (‏@kevinpp24) is annoyed by his own personal performance: “HATE losing! HATE not contributing to the team in a game! Three to go! Cook, Swann, @MattPrior13 outstanding! Chat soon guys..”

Former Test captain Vaughan ‏(@MichaelVaughan) was happy with England’s battling spirit: “Thoroughly deserved win for India… Good spirit from England in the second innings but first innings runs are the key in the sub-continent..”

Ex-England wicketkeeper Alec Stewart ‏(@StewieCricket) wants to see a response in Mumbai: “India thoroughly deserved to win the Test. Outplayed England & showed all their strengths in home conditions.#bouncebackabilityrequired”

Finally, ex-Australia spinner Shane Warne ‏(@warne888) adds: “Congratulations to India on winning the test match, look forward to being in Mumbai for the second Test and working for ESPN star sports, see you there guys!”