Batting order change can pay-off for England

10 April 2012

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

England, up against Pakistan in Fatullah in their second and final warm-up match today, 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.

Broad, who returned from more than two months out injured with five wickets in a narrow win over Canada, believes both players - and England - will benefit.

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

"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."

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