We have to be careful with DRS referrals in India: Broad

RAJKOT: England are quite familiar with the Decision Review System (DRS) but they have to be very cautious while opting for referrals in the upcoming series against India due to different conditions here, Stuart Broad said.

The fast-bowling all-rounder said conditions in England and Bangladesh, where they drew series 1-1 before coming to India, were different from here.

“We had a lot of referrals over there. We have got to be quite clear with the communication, It’s a bit different with the ball spinning in India rather than it seaming and swinging in England, so it is a bit hard to judge,” Broad said.

“It will play a big part in this series. One thing is sure you are in danger of being hit on the path because DRS brings in the opportunity to overturn decisions. So I really enjoyed playing with it. You get right decisions a lot of the time. But communication within the team is so vital for it. We are looking for the wicketkeeper and the bowler to make quite stronger opinions on it and obviously Cooky (Captain Alastair Cook) will take over and go with the gut feeling. We could have done well in Bangladesh. In Dhaka we wasted a couple,” he remarked.

Broad, who is set to complete the milestone of 100 Tests, said England are going into the five-test rubber as huge underdogs. “We are coming as massive underdogs, there’s no doubt about that. Obviously, India has got to number 1 in the world and played some brilliant cricket here, so we’re very aware that it’s a huge challenge. But it’s pretty exciting as well, we’re not really sure what to expect,” Broad said.

Talking about his upcoming milestone, Broad said what excited him more was it was to happen in a huge series and against the world’s top-ranked side. “I am aware how special an achievement it is because of the players that have come before me. The amount they have given to English cricket, it’s a special cap to receive. What excites me more is this 100th game being the start of a huge series for us as well. There is no bigger occasion than starting a series in India, against a No.1 team in the world.”

Asked about the team’s mindset after suffering its first ever Test defeat against Bangladesh before crossing over into the country, Broad said their players would like to express themselves well here.