Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad expressed his excitement about England’s dominance on the second day of the 4th Test against India in Ranchi. Broad noted that the tourists were “massively on top” as the spin duo of Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley created challenges for the Indian batters on the tricky Jharkhand Cricket Association Stadium pitch.

While acknowledging Shoaib Bashir’s consistent performance, Broad raised questions about India’s decision to rest the world’s No. 1 Test bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, for the 4th Test. The Indian team found themselves in a challenging position at 177 for 2 on a pitch showing uneven bounce, putting them at risk of conceding a significant first-innings lead.

Reflecting on the series so far, Broad emphasized the importance of winning the toss and batting first. He highlighted the significant role played by England’s recovery from 112 for 5 to post 353 in the first innings of the ongoing Test. Broad also expressed his confusion regarding Bumrah’s absence, given his limited workload in the previous innings.

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“England massively on top. Spinners bowling accurately, uneven bounce. Cracks. Bowler’s dream. 350 looks 100 above par. Toss in this series seems crucial. Bat first, dominate the game. Bumrah ‘rested’ – can’t understand it. Eight overs in his last innings. Handed initiative back to England,” Broad shared on social media, while also criticizing the pitch prepared for the 4th Test.

I mainly tweet about England- but looking at India. They’re an amazing team on flat Test pitches in India where their spinners skill comes into it & they out bowl other teams. Playing on pitches that roll along the floor brings in the opposition so much more. I can’t understand…

— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) February 24, 2024