England's Broad hails Test as one of his top five

CHITTAGONG: England paceman Stuart Broad heaped praise on Bangladesh for their determined resistance in the ongoing first Test in Chittagong, saying it was one of the top five Tests he has played in.

Bangladesh, chasing a target of 286 runs, battled to 253-8 at stumps on the fourth day on Sunday, needing 33 for their first-ever win against England.

Broad brought England back into the contest just when it appeared to be slipping out of their hands with two late wickets that could prove vital.

He bowled some reverse swing balls and was unlucky not to have more success with debutant Sabbir Rahman, unbeaten on 59 overnight, showed strong determination to survive the day.



"What a fantastic Test match to be a part of," Broad said after the end of fourth day's play.

"Coming back for day five, we need two wickets with 33 runs to get.

"Things you tell yourself as a bowling and fielding unit: two deliveries, two good balls, who can have the character to bowl two unplayable deliveries, or beat the batsman's defence or test his ego."

Broad added: "I think Bangladesh has played fantastically well.

"I think the Test match has been up there among the top five that I have played in, exciting-wise.

"I have played 99 Tests so I know I will get two-three hours kip (sleep) tonight through worry. So it is good fun," he said.

Broad expressed his satisfaction in his own performance on a crumbling pitch that was exploited by spinners from both side.

"It is tough for a seamer," he said.

"It is not Trent Bridge. It is a different mindset. You have to tie down the batsmen, try to create pressure for the spinners.

"Your time to strike is when you get a bit of reverse swing like Stokes.

He added: "It is a patience game. You have to wait for things to come into your favour and strike."

All-rounder Ben Stokes picked-up 4-26 in the first innings owing to reverse swing and Broad followed the same route in the second innings to unsettle Bangladesh's lower order.

"I think Bangladesh will be very proud with their performance. We are proud we have utilised our skills in these conditions," Broad added.

"This was our first Test match here for six years. There's going to be 11 very disappointed and 11 delighted guys tomorrow. This is not going to be a draw," he said.