Job half done as England need five more wickets on last day to wrap up series victory in New Zealand
STUART Broad laid down an important marker for his extended inclusion in England's Test plans with a long and sustained spell of hostile bowling to upset New Zealand in the deciding Test.
Broad displayed judicious aggression when staring down open
er Matthew Bell shortly before tea on the fourth day at McLean Park, and this proved the catalyst for an important burst of wickets as the tourists chased their first overseas Test series triumph in three years.
Bell and former captain Stephen Fleming, who had been given a guard of honour by England as he walked out to play his final Test innings, were defying the tourists' best efforts at that stage, chasing an all but impossible victory target of 553.
They had successfully frustrated England for 30 overs and forged a 99-run stand when Broad upset Bell and prompted Fleming to urge umpire Rudi Koertzen to intervene.
Bell's three hours of defiance ended three balls after lunch when he mis-timed a pull off spinner Monty Panesar to Broad in the deep.
Fleming followed three overs later as New Zealand lost four wickets in the final session to finish on 222 for five.
Broad refused to reveal the details of the row, but admitted: "I'm not really a talker, I just tend to stare and batsmen don't seem to like it and chunter away.
"Fleming, who edged Panesar behind attempting to cut, also refused to reveal details, but admitted that the 21-year-old has "got a bit about him, which is good in a young player."
Broad will also have enhanced his claims by demonstrating his great stamina once again with an unbroken 14-over spell either side of tea to claim two for 28 and help strengthen England's grip of the match and the series.
Panesar struck initially to remove opener Jamie How lbw shortly after lunch and made the key breakthrough immediately after tea. Fleming fell soon after that for a fine 66, which ensured he finished his career with an average over 40, but for the 46th time in 111 Tests he was unable to convert it into a century.
"I walked off frustrated which has happened 50 or 60 times in my career and I did have a wry smile to myself that it was probably a fitting way to go," said Fleming. "If I'd have made a hundred it would have been an anomaly. I'm disappointed, but when I take time to reflect I guess I'm satisfied to have a four in front of my average."
Broad then forced Mathew Sinclair to fend a bouncer behind to wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose while Grant Elliott attempted to pull and looped the ball up for Ian Bell to run and take the catch from short leg.
"It was an important Test match for the team, and for me personally to try and get a spot in the summer and it was nice to come in and contribute," said Broad
after a useful performance at either end of the day, his earlier quickfire unbeaten 31 off just 26 balls having helped England to add 51 in 35 minutes before declaring.
The full article contains 547 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
