I’m a natural striker of the ball. That’s how I play my cricket. I’d like to build more big scores but that’s something that takes time
Stuart Broad’s brilliant batting display put England in charge of the second test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.
The all-rounder hit his ninth Test half-century to help gain a crucial first innings lead.
Broad came to the crease at 227 for six and immediately took the attack to the Pakistan bowlers with some superb shots. He finished the innings on 58 not out with England ahead by 70 runs.
Monty Panesar took three wickets as Pakistan reached 125 for four at stumps, a lead of 55. But Broad is confident England can chase whatever target Pakistan set them to win
“Today’s certainly the flattest the wicket’s been,” he said. “I think it will play pretty well tomorrow then turn maybe turn on the fifth day.
“The two batsmen at the end there played very responsibly for the team, but tomorrow’s a new day so hopefully we can nip one of them early and expose the tail to the new ball,” added Broad.
“The wicket’s played pretty well today. There’s not been frightening spin or really anything for the seamers. 250 would be chaseable, I’d imagine, if you got a good start. They lead by 50 at the moment and we don’t want it to be much more than 150.”
Broad’s swashbuckling innings contained six fours and one six and came at a crucial point in the match.
He added: “We knew we had to get a lead on the wicket and it was an important morning for us,
“It looked quite hard to survive out there, but if you played your shots you put the pressure back on the bowler so that was my aim. (Saeed) Ajmal is a class bowler and I wanted to put him off his length. Once we got some momentum going the wicket looked a bit flatter.
“I’m a natural striker of the ball. That’s how I play my cricket. I’d like to build more big scores but that’s something that takes time.
“Whenever you start a fresh innings it’s tough. The pace the Pakistan spinners bowl, it’s a nervous first 20 minutes when you get out there because any ball you feel a bit vulnerable.
“The fielders stepped back a little bit as soon as I hit one over the top. Everyone was put out on the boundary, which allowed me to rotate the strike a bit easier.”