Sport

Broad strokes change picture for England

CRICKET FOURTH TEST: STUART BROAD will remember for the rest of his life the “amazing” moment when he scored his maiden hundred…

Sat Aug 28 2010 - 01:00

CRICKET FOURTH TEST:STUART BROAD will remember for the rest of his life the "amazing" moment when he scored his maiden hundred at the home of cricket.

Broad, whose unbeaten 125 in a record unbroken stand of 244 with Jonathan Trott (149 not out) transformed day two of the fourth Test against Pakistan, was achieving something which eluded his famous father and former England opener Chris.

The Broads are the first father and son to have made Test centuries for England, but Chris never managed one on home soil – and not therefore at Lord’s either.

Stuart did so when he clipped three runs off his legs off Wahab Riaz, becoming only the third Englishman to reach three figures from number nine.

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“It was amazing,” said the 24-year-old. “I initially thought I’d chipped it straight to midwicket when it came off the bat, but the atmosphere was so special.

“It’s a feeling I’ll remember for the rest of my life, and it’s nice to be the first Broad up on that honours board.”

Also on the board yesterday, and the youngest of all to manage five wickets at Lord’s, was Pakistan seamer Mohammad Aamer.

Yet the 18-year-old’s joy was significantly tempered by stumps after England had recovered from 47 for five to 346 for seven in a match Pakistan must win to square the series.

“I always dreamt of an extra-cover drive for my hundred at Lord’s,” added Broad. “But luckily, it was on my legs – and I’ll take anything.

“You always dream of Test match centuries, and if I was to pick any ground in the world it would be Lord’s. It is one of those days that will live long in my memory.”

Broad joined Trott at 102 for seven, and recalled: “I had a bit of licence (to attack).

“But I also knew that if we were 110 all out this Test series was going to be 2-2.

“So I looked to take a bit of responsibility to bat with Trotty, because I know he can bat for long periods of time and score big hundreds.”

Aamer reflected on his mixed day with appropriately mixed feelings. He said: “It was special – the first time I’ve got six wickets and the best figures of my career.

“I am happy but I am a little bit sad. They are in a good position. We were in a good position, but now we are on the back foot.”