Broad: We were in a spin

Stuart Broad admitted that England are aware they need to improve their play against spin after losing the first T20 International against South Africa.

"We played nicely through the first six overs, but struggled in the middle period. We are aware of that and we know where to improve."
Stuart Broad Quotes of the week

The England captain presided over a seven-wicket defeat in the first of three matches in the shortest format of the game, with his batsmen bogged down by slow bowlers Johan Botha and Robin Petersen.

The hosts managed just 118-7 in their 20 overs before the Proteas eased home thanks to knocks from Jacques Kallis and JP Duminy.

"We were 20 or 30 short, we didn't adapt to the condition of the pitch or bat to our average," Broad told Sky Sports.

"We got a little bit stuck with the spin. We played nicely through the first six overs, but struggled in the middle period. We are aware of that and we know where to improve."

Adapt

England will face a lot of spin when they land in Sri Lanka to defend their World T20 title, but Broad is not concerned about their ability to play it.

"It's not too much of a concern, we need to adapt and learn from this game," he said ahead of Monday's second-of-three clash.

"There is a lot of cricket to be played before then. We need to make strides and develop."

Dale Steyn bowled four overs across as many spells for figures of one for 13, and captain AB de Villiers said:

"I am very proud of how the boys played," said De Villiers. "The bowling was brilliant, led by Dale Steyn. He bowled with a lot of pace and looked like taking wickets throughout.

"We never allowed England to get momentum."