'I felt like I was watching a computer game': Stuart Broad amazed at England's thrashing of India bowlers in 2nd ODI | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

'I felt like I was watching a computer game': Stuart Broad amazed at England's thrashing of India bowlers in 2nd ODI

By, New Delhi
Mar 27, 2021 12:00 PM IST

India vs England: England won the match by six wickets, gunning down a target of 337 runs with 39 balls to spare as they capped off their fifth-highest successful run-chase in ODIs.

Like a lot of people, fast bowler Stuart Broad was pretty surprised seeing England make a mockery of the 337-run target set by India in the second ODI in Pune on Friday. England won the match by six wickets, gunning down the total with 39 balls to spare to cap off their fifth-highest successful run-chase in ODIs.

Indian players react during the second ODI on Friday. (BCCI)
Indian players react during the second ODI on Friday. (BCCI)

Led by Jonny Bairstow's 19th ODI century and a whirlwind 99 off 52 by all-rounder Ben Stokes, England squared the series 1-1 to push it into the decider on Sunday. Watching the blazing run-chase unfold left a lot of people in awe, with Broad saying he felt like he was watching a highlights package with almost every other ball landing in the stands. Such was the disdain with which England batted.

HT launches Crick-it, a one stop destination to catch Cricket, anytime, anywhere. Explore now!

Also Read | Former India, England cricketers disagree with third umpire for giving Ben Stokes not out despite bat being on the line

"It was astonishing, wasn’t it? It was great entertainment, brilliant skill, amazing power. I felt like I was watching a computer game, almost replays. I was like what… another one? Another one? And they weren’t just clearing ropes," Broad said on Sky Sports.

"The fielders did not stand a chance, did they? They were going 20 rows back. It was like they were having throwdowns and doing that range hitting and practice without a care in the world, doing it in an international game with the series on the line."

England scored 87 runs between overs 31 and 35 to bring the asking rate down to under six an over. However, England themselves conceded over 100 runs in the final 10 overs, which allowed India to post 336/6 in the first place. Despite England conceding back-to-back 300-plus totals in the last two ODIs, Broad doesn't feel it's an area that generates concern, for the surface on which the match was played on was a belter of a pitch.

Also Read | Hardik Pandya runs towards Sam Curran after being sledged, umpires intervene in India vs England 2nd ODI - Watch Video

"It's really hard. Anytime you go for over a hundred, it's a brutal 10 isn't it? But that is how India set up. They do set up to bear an OK run rate in the first 30 overs - just around 4 and a half and then they look to explode with their power hitters at the end," Broad pointed out.

"Obviously, it was a disappointing match for the English bowlers but it was because we didn't manage to make the breakthroughs consistently through the middle period. I don't think it was massively over par to be honest. It looked like a very good pitch. Had England batted first, they could have gotten a similar score."

IPL 2024
Are you a cricket buff? Participate in the HT Cricket Quiz daily and stand a chance to win an iPhone 15 & Boat Smartwatch. Click here to participate now.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Score, PBKS vs MI Live Score and get exclusive insights with the IPL Match Today, IPL Points Table match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and IPL Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On