Broad takes umbrage at Botham’s ‘negativity’

Published on 20/11/2012 03:37

A WAR of words yesterday appeared to break out between England bowler Stuart Broad and former all-rounder, now television pundit, Sir Ian Botham following India’s 
nine-wicket win in the first Test in Ahmedabad.

Broad, who failed to take a wicket in his 24 overs in India’s first innings and was not given a bowl in the brief second, took to Twitter to post: “India outplayed us. A few positives but on the whole poor so sorry for that. Onwards and upwards. And before u listen to too many ex playing ‘experts’ being negative, ask them if they ever won a Test series in India....#28years.”

England have not emerged triumphant from a Test series in India since 1984/85. Botham, part of Sky’s commentary team for the match, took umbrage to Broad’s criticism of former players. In a tweet to Broad, he wrote: “Didn’t average 40+ with the ball overseas...! Not sure what I scored against India with the bat..? #justsaying.”

When another Twitter user tweeted both men to say: “Ian should not kick a man when he is down me thinks!!”, Botham retweeted, adding: “Who started the kicking..?” Botham had earlier suggested on television that Steven Finn coming in for Broad should be one of four changes for the second Test, which gets under way on Friday.

Broad later tried to play down a potential brewing row. “Spat with @BeefyBotham?? What spat? Love Beefy, best bowler England have ever had, then add his batting. Twitter is funny at times!,” he tweeted.