'It's always bad to lose a wicket in the last over'

 Stuart Broad’s 100th Test in Rajkot was a forgettable outing where the paceman netted just one wicket in 32 overs while conceding 82 runs. After an average performance in the first innings here in the second Test, Broad produced one of his better spells in the sub-continent, claiming 4/33 spread over third and fourth days.

“It’s the realisation of when to use certain skills,” Broad said when asked about his leg-cutters that consumed Ajinkya Rahane and R Ashwin. “Today I felt my leg-cutter was gripping that nice amount – half bat width which brought the edge into play. First innings was not much value for leg-cutters. It’s a nice experience to bowl on a fourth day pitch. As a taller bowler, it does give you indifferent bounce. When I’ve bowled first on first-day pitches, it’s hard to extract movement and bounce. Typically, Indian wickets deteriorate slightly and offer more for the bowlers,” he analysed.

Broad admitted England were disappointed with losing two wickets towards the end of the day but maintained that the tourists would be able to save the match.

“It’s always bad when you lose a wicket in the final over, especially someone as dogged and strong as Cooky (Alastair Cook),” he began. “We batted 60 overs for two wickets, and it gives us a lot of encouragement. The way he went about it, the calmness and courage he showed sets that precedent – got to follow his lead. If we get two or three batsmen tomorrow to get stuck in like the openers, we will save this Test match,” he remarked.

Broad himself showed great character to bowl an inspiring spell despite a tendon strain in his right foot.

“It’s been a sore Test match,” he said. “In the second over (of India’s first innings), I dived for the ball and my toe slipped the wrong way – done some damage to the tendon. I’ve got no option but to keep playing, or you stuff the team. It has been a physically tough Test match. It’s all part of the job. Get a moon boot to offload the Test match for a few days. I believe everyone reacts differently.”