Broad backs England batting changes

Stuart Broad
12 April 2012

Stuart Broad is confident England's late tactical switch in their World Cup batting order will prove a winner.

England sprang a surprise on Wednesday when they promoted Kevin Pietersen to open the batting against Canada. It was swiftly confirmed that Pietersen will stay there for the duration of England's sub-continental campaign, with Matt Prior moving down to number six.

"It's a positive move," Broad said of Pietersen's new role. "The sub-continent is one of the best places to open the batting, use the new ball wisely."

He added: "On the flip side, we've also moved Matt Prior to playing the spin role - because he's our best player of spin.

"He did it fantastically in the middle period (against Canada), picking off nearly 80 off 80 balls. That is the sort of role we want both of them to play."

England did not impress against Canada, but the mitigation was a desperately slow wicket and awkward circumstances therefore for players who have just spent more than three months in Australia.

"These wickets are very different from Australian wickets, so it might take a bit of time for our batsmen to adjust," added Broad.

"We started pretty slowly against Canada. But it is important we use this second practice game well, and then hit the ground running in the first World Cup game.

"It has been a long winter for the boys, but that's something you just have to crack on with as an international cricketer."

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