Injury rules Broad out of World Cup
ENGLAND’S World Cup hopes suffered another seismic blow yesterday when it was confirmed that fast bowler Stuart Broad will miss the rest of the tournament due to a side strain.
The 24-year-old returned to form in Sunday’s thrilling six-run victory over South Africa, taking four for 15 including the decisive wickets of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.
Broad missed the last three Ashes Tests over the winter after he picked up a similar injury problem during the victory in Adelaide, but the England and Wales Cricket Board were last night keen to stress that this injury is a fresh one.
“Scans have confirmed a significant side strain injury,” said ECB chief medical officer Doctor Nick Peirce. “Stuart felt some discomfort following the South Africa match and our initial assessment indicated a strain to his left side.
“Subsequent scans have confirmed a significant side strain injury – where the muscle attaches the rib.
“Any participation in the forthcoming IPL [Indian Premier League] will be determined according to his rehabilitation timescale established in due course.”
Chris Tremlett, who was taken to the tournament as standby for the squad, is poised to replace Broad.
Tremlett stood in for Broad to great effect during the Ashes – taking an impressive 17 wickets at an average of 23.35 – and also played four of the seven one-day matches in the 6-1 series defeat against Australia prior to the World Cup.