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This article was first published 12 years ago

'Hat-trick won't matter much if England don't win'

Last updated on: July 31, 2011 09:47 IST

Image: Stuart Broad celebrates getting his hat-trick
Photographs: Getty Images

Bikash Mohapatra reports from Trent Bridge.

For Stuart Broad, it was his first hat-trick since he left school.

It was (self-admittedly) an atmosphere, a reaction he hadn't experienced when he took three wickets the last time.

- Scorecard Match Report  Images

Fortunately, for the 25-year-old, the performance came when England needed it the most.

Broad came back strong bowling with the new ball. He first accounted for Yuvraj Singh (62), who had been dropped on four off his bowling, in his third over of the spell.

In his next, he achieved the hat-trick, getting MS Dhoni (5), Harbhajan Singh (0) and Praveen Kumar (0) out with successful deliveries, to decimate the Indian tail.

'I think it is my third hat-trick, but...'

Image: Stuart Broad

Broad eventually finished with career-best figures of six for 46, his effort helping England dismiss India for 288, and restricting the visitor's lead to 67.

"It was a nice feeling," gushed Broad afterwards, adding, "I think it is my third hat-trick.

"But, for the last, you have go back to school (under-15)."

Broad proceeded to explain the English strategy on the second day.

"We tried to build pressure throughout the day," he explained.

"The wicket wasn't doing much for us, so the idea was to continue building the pressure.  

"We were aware that the new ball period is going to be crucial."

'Bowling last on this wicket can be an advantage'

Image: Stuart Broad

With the lead limited to below hundred, the bowler felt his team's chances are good.

"We had it in our mind that we need to bowl them out as quickly as possible," he said.

"They obviously have the lead, but we have got ourselves into a decent position. We are fighting. Bowling last on this wicket can be an advantage for us," he added.

The hat-trick and career-best figures of six for 46 essentially led to celebrations. Not for Broad though.

The bowler is prepared to wait till the result goes in England's favour.

"It (the hat-trick) won't be much if we don't go on to win this Test," he reasoned.