Sir Ian Botham hits back at Stuart Broad after Twitter rant at England critics

Broad took to Twitter this morning to take a swipe at "too many ex playing 'experts' being negative" about England

Stuart Broad (GETTY IMAGES)

A war of words was today breaking 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 took to Twitter this morning to apologise for the heavy defeat - and to take a swipe at "too many ex playing 'experts' being negative" in their analysis of the tourists' display.

The 26-year-old, 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, posted: "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 and hit back.

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."

Botham's record with the bat in India was impressive.

He hit 114 in the Golden Jubilee Test in Mumbai in 1980 and averaged 55 as England lost the six-Test series 1-0 in 1981/82.

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 took to the social networking site to play down a potential brewing row and hailed Botham's playing achievements.

"Spat with BeefyBotham?? What spat? Love Beefy, best bowler England have ever had, then add his batting. Twitter is funny at times!," he tweeted.

PA