Cricket: Broad ‘proud’ to lead England defence

COLOMBO:

England captain Stuart Broad is excited to be leading the defending champions despite the absence of Kevin Pietersen.

Pietersen, who was man-of-the-tournament when England won the 2010 edition, has been kept out of the squad for disciplinary reasons since the second Test against South Africa last month. The batsman was axed after it was revealed he had sent ‘provocative texts’ to opposition players, some of which were allegedly critical of then Test captain Andrew Strauss.

“The 15 guys that are here are very excited to represent England in a world tournament,” said Broad. “I am extremely proud to lead those guys into play. It’s a great challenge for all of us. Not many guys have played in an International Cricket Council tournament. But eight of us were involved when we won last time. I have full faith in the side I have got.”

England go into the tournament with their confidence boosted by a 28-run win over South Africa in a Twenty20 game in Birmingham on Wednesday that helped them level the series 1-1. Broad said the key to doing well in the tournament rested on how quickly they adjusted to the conditions in Sri Lanka.

“We have to adapt very quickly. Some of the boys may not have much experience in the sub-continent, but that does not mean they are not good enough.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th, 2012.