In the fourth game of what has been a well contested one day series against India, one player had a great game and must surely have impressed the whole country with his contribution. That player? Stuart Broad.

He bowled really well taking 4-51, taking out the middle order of the Indians and exposing the weak tail, but it was his batting that really set him apart. Coming in at number 9 and with his team needing just under 100 to win, he put on the most magnificent partnership with Ravi Bopara, Broad scoring 45 not out and Bopara 43 not out.

I’ve long been a fan of 21 year old Broad and he should have been in the test side this summer, but I think after today’s performance he can’t be overlooked for Tremlett again. He could be the player England have been looking for to bat at 8 in the test side if his performance tonight can be replicated. He’s got some excellent strokes in his locker, and showed a properly cool head this evening.

England have played pretty well in the games so far this year, especially compared to the performances in recent times. Maybe its the new coaching team, the new captain who knows, but it appears to be working and players are playing well and not relying on KP – who’s top score is only 33 so far in this series.  I look forward to the rest of the series!