Broad backs England for history

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England's close two-wicket victory on Sunday in Dambulla gave them a 2-1 lead over the Sri Lankans, with only the two matches remaining this week in Colombo standing in the way of their first series win in this part of the world since Pakistan in 1986-7.

"It wasn't a pretty win, it was an ugly win, but it's a sign of a good side when you're getting over the line in those situations," said Broad of the triumph two days ago. "The lads are very clear that it's certainly not over yet and we've got two massive games ahead of us, but it's a nice situation to know that if we win one we win the series."

He added: "In our team meetings it's popped up a couple of times that we could be the first side to win on the sub-continent for 20 years.

"Sri Lanka haven't lost at home for a long time and if we play well in these next two games we've won the series. If we get our basics right, it doesn't matter where we play in the world, we can win.

"It's very exciting going into the next game knowing that if we get our games 100% right, no matter what we do, we'll come away with a series win."

Broad has also had to adapt to a different role within the side, from new-ball bowler alongside James Anderson to first change, to fill in for key all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

It is a role into which he has settled after initial concerns.

He said: "To start with I was a little disappointed, I liked bowling with the new ball and in the summer I thought I did okay.

"In my head it's all about keeping pressure on the opening bowlers. If I can come in and take wickets, it keeps the standards high because the opening bowlers know they have to bowl well to keep their spots and it keeps everyone moving forward."