Share

Broad faces CWC exit

Chittagong - England fast bowler Stuart Broad could miss the rest of the Cricket World Cup after suffering a side strain in the dramatic victory over South Africa.

BLOG: Take a chill pill, you lot...

GALLERY: CWC 2011 in pictures

Broad is a major doubt for Friday's Group B clash against joint hosts Bangladesh and results of scans carried out on Tuesday will determine his World Cup future.

England are already reeling from losing star batsman Kevin Pietersen, who left for home on Monday to undergo a hernia operation.

Broad said he picked up the side strain during his match-winning 4-15 against South Africa in Chennai on Sunday, where a six-run victory resurrected England's faltering campaign.

"I felt a bit tight in the field and it sort of increased after the match, the 24-year-old told reporters in Chittagong ahead of the Bangladesh game.

"I am not sure how serious it is. I have had scans done and am waiting for the result.

"At this stage, I am doubtful about playing on Friday, but not sure beyond that. I should know in a couple of days.

"I'm not too down at the minute because I don't know what the injury is. But obviously I'll be bitterly disappointed if it's the end of my World Cup."

Broad has endured a nightmare time with injuries in recent months having missed the last three Ashes Tests with an abdominal strain.

The seamer, who has claimed 130 wickets in 76 one-day internationals, said he had not suffered a similar side strain before.

"I know it is a common injury with bowlers, but I've never had it before," he said.

"I didn't get the short stabbing pain that I did in the Ashes, so that's a good sign this is not as severe as that. It's in a different area."

Broad's place is likely to go to seamer Ajmal Shahzad, who played in the tied game against India in Bangalore, but was dropped for the next two matches against Ireland and South Africa.

Pietersen's sudden exit left the team management looking for an opening partner for skipper Andrew Strauss, with Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara and wicket-keeper Matt Prior the likely candidates.

"This (the Indian sub-continent) is the best place in the world to open the innings, so I am certain a few hands will go up," Broad said of the selection quandary.

Pietersen has been replaced by hard-hitting middle-order batsman Eoin Morgan, who is due to arrive in Chittagong later on Tuesday.

Morgan, who was in the original 15-man squad, was omitted after picking up a finger injury prior to the tournament and Ravi Bopara was brought in to replace him.

"Losing Kevin is a big blow, but the huge positive is that Morgan comes back," said Broad.

"The whole squad is delighted for Morgan. It is a big boost for the team. He is the right number six."

England are second in Group B, level with India on five points. Their two remaining group matches are against Bangladesh and the West Indies.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
65% - 496 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
35% - 264 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE