We are coming as massive underdogs: Stuart Broad

England pacer Stuart Broad believes that England enters the upcoming series against India as the underdogs. This certainly does not come as a shock or perhaps even surprising as many such as Michael Vaughan and Jonty Rhodes have stated the same over the past couple of days.

Broad also went on to add that the DRS system would play a massive role, especially given the number of reviews England had overturned in the recently-concluded tour of Bangladesh. However, this time around, the fact that the BCCI has embraced the use of technology, it seems quite clear that it is a step in the right direction.

“We had a lot of referrals over there. We have got to be quite clear with the communication. It’s a bit different with the ball spinning in India rather than it seaming and swinging in England, so it is a bit hard to judge,” Broad said.

“It will play a big part in this series. One thing is sure you are in danger of being hit on the path because DRS brings in the opportunity to overturn decisions. So I really enjoyed playing with it. You get right decisions a lot of the time. But communication within the team is so vital for it.

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Broad went on to add that England was entering the encounter as underdogs and that they have to keep reminding themselves that they are playing India – the number one cricket team in the world.

“We are looking for the wicketkeeper and the bowler to make quite stronger opinions on it and obviously Cooky (Captain Alastair Cook) will take over and go with the gut feeling. We could have done well in Bangladesh. In Dhaka we wasted a couple,” he remarked.

“We are coming as massive underdogs, there’s no doubt about that. Obviously, India has got to number 1 in the world and played some brilliant cricket here, so we’re very aware that it’s a huge challenge. But it’s pretty exciting as well, we’re not really sure what to expect,” Broad said.

“I am aware how special an achievement it is because of the players that have come before me. The amount they have given to English cricket, it’s a special cap to receive. What excites me more is this 100th game being the start of a huge series for us as well. There is no bigger occasion than starting a series in India, against a No.1 team in the world.

Speaking about his 100th Test, Broad remarked that it was indeed an occasion he was looking forward to. “It’s great to get a milestone being in such an important game because we know how vital it is to start these tours well,” said Broad, who is on his third full Test tour of India.

“I have always seen myself as a frontline seamer. My dream is to try and get the new ball for England because that’s when you become more of a strike bowler, that’s the best chance to make an impact on games. I am only 30. I hope to play for a long time.

“I certainly want to have the opportunities to score a lot more runs, and hopefully that will come in the series. It is something I see as a momentum change rather than somebody who is going to have some big numbers behind them,” he said as an explanation for his pretty dismal record with the bat.

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