Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Broad in doubt for remainder of first Ashes Test

July 11, 2013 13:14 IST

England bowler Stuart Broad has come under doubt for the remainder of the first Ashes Test after he was hit on his troublesome shoulder by James Pattinson while batting at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.

According to the Daily Star, the key England quick, who had a cortisone injection after the ICC Champions Trophy a fortnight ago, failed to bowl a ball in Australia's first innings after being struck by a bouncer from Pattinson when batting.

The report further said that Broad was icing his shoulder as Steven Finn and Jimmy Anderson set about digging England out of a hole after they were out for 215, adding that although he was not sent for an X-ray but his problematic shoulder and a history of injury problems puts him in doubt for the first Test.

Stuart BroadHowever, the report also said that Broad will be tested on Thursday morning as England, who fielded their regulation four-man attack, will be desperate for him to play still a part.

Stating that he is unaware of the extent of the injury, Finn, who opened the bowling in Broad's absence and helped reduce Australia to 75-4, said that although his shoulder is a bit sore, he is receiving treatment, adding that the team is very hopeful that he will be fit.

Meanwhile, Finn said that he needed to bowl a few more overs, adding that they have bowlers who can bowl in the conditions, with Graeme Swann being the most dangerous among them.

Although Peter Siddle took five wickets for Australia, Finn denied that he is worried, saying that as a youngster, he has grown up dreaming about the Ashes, adding that he is excited to live that dream in his first series.

Australia handed a debut to spinner Ashton Agar while batsman David Warner has been sent on the A-team tour to South Africa after being banned for punching Joe Root, the report added.

Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Source: ANI