England Rewarded for Patience - Broad

Stuart Broad believes that England were rewarded for patience in the final session, as the West Indies lost five wickets to close the first day of the opening Test on 243-9. England ‘s win was not surprising; the side were the favourites to triumph over the Windes on Betfair.

England, the top-ranked Test side in the world, were expected to run through the tourists’ batting line-up in helpful conditions at Lord’s, but Broad was pleased with his side’s efforts on a day marked by attrition. 

"It was still a very white wicket this morning; it didn't do a huge amount, it was quite slow and quickened up throughout the day", said the fast bowler.

"We talked before we went out that we'd take seven down as long we bowled tidily and didn't give them too many freebies."

The 25-year-old claimed 6-72, his fifth Test five-wicket haul, as Shivnarine Chanderpaul (87no) held the West Indies together.

The Windies lost just two wickets in the opening session, standing firm in the face of prodigious swing from James Anderson, who picked up both scalps.

Anderson was again the most threatening bowler in the afternoon session, as West Indies limped to 146-4 at tea. Broad paid tribute to his new ball partner, who finished with 2-59 from his 25 overs.

"His lines are incredible. He bowled loads of away swingers to the right handers and, as soon as he tried an "innie," it was hitting the middle of middle", he said. 

"That's the skill of the guy now and it's really good to bowl with someone like that in your side."

It turned into the Broad show, later in the day, as he earned a place on the Lord’s honours board and passed 150 Test wickets

"We're delighted with the day – to have them nine down is really pleasing", added Broad. Take advantage of a busy cricket calendar with England cricket betting online.