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Broad lauds England

Broad lauds England

01/18/2012 06:38:21 PM

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England paceman Stuart Broad hailed his team's bowling display after they fought back in the first Test against Pakistan on Wednesday.

After being dismissed for a paltry 192 on the opening day, England reduced Pakistan to 288-7 on day two at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Broad, who took 2-72, was happy with England's efforts as Pakistan built a 96-run lead.

"I think we deserved the wickets. It was a really good bowling performance," Broad said.

"We set targets of going for under three an over, so to go at 2.7 for a whole Test match day was pleasing."

"With the tail to come, we're delighted. If we can polish them off quickly, we're in a really good position."

Broad, James Anderson (2-57) and Graeme Swann (2-89) picked up two scalps each, while Jonathan Trott (1-16) surprisingly claimed the wicket of Younis Khan (37).

England fought back from first innings deficits against Australia in November 2010 and India last year, and Broad hopes they can repeat those performances.

"Pakistan are still in a strong position and we're chasing the game a little bit," he said.

"But if you look back at Brisbane, and Trent Bridge this year, we had an average first innings with the bat but our bowlers kept us in the game and in the second innings we went really big. It's up to a couple of the batsmen to score hundreds, and they're excited about that."

"If we can score 350 or 400, then batting last on that wicket might be quite tricky. But that's looking a long way ahead. Someone's going to have to bat big and long for us, and we've got the players in the squad to do that."

Meanwhile, Pakistan opener Mohammad Hafeez, who struck an excellent 88, admitted his side expected to produce a bigger total as he, Taufeeq Umar (58) and captain Misbah-ul-Haq (52) failed to convert starts.

"To be very honest, we were expecting a bit more. They bowled really well today, their fast bowlers were very disciplined and Swann bowled well as well," he said.

"But still I think we are in a good position, in control of this game and with two spinners in our team, we have a really good chance to win."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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