Broad aims for England comeback in Sri Lanka Test in May

(REUTERS)

Stuart Broad hopes to be fit in time for England's first Test of the summer which starts on 26 May. The fast bowler flew home early from the World Cup with a side strain and plans to return to first-class cricket with Nottinghamshire in early May which would allow him to play up to three Championship games before England face Sri Lanka in Cardiff.

"I'm hoping to play on 4 May at home to Yorkshire," said the 24-year-old bowler yesterday. Nottinghamshire have two more first-class matches, away at Sussex and at home with Warwickshire, in which Broad could play before the international season starts. "I hope that can be the comeback," he said, "and then I can get some Championship wickets before the first Test."

Broad has also signed a new three-year contract with Notts and while the deal will only come into force in the unlikely event of him losing his England central contract, it keeps him committed to the county at domestic level until 2013.

Notts' director of cricket, Mick Newell, said: "We expect Stuart will maintain his England place for years to come but this re-affirms his commitment to us. We knew he was in England's thoughts when we signed him in 2008. Although his county appearances have been limited, he has always performed exceptionally well when he's turned out for us."

Broad's spell at Trent Bridge has seen him play just seven Championship games and four more in limited-overs competition, including last year's Twenty20 finals day. He is set to play even less this summer such is the hectic schedule of international cricket, which some saw as responsible for the injuries that ruined his winter.

"I've been quite lucky to have played five years of international cricket without a setback at some stage," Broad added. "It was unfortunate that it did happen in two of the biggest tournaments we play in [the Ashes and the World Cup].

"There is a lot of cricket, but we have to be in good enough physical shape to deal with it," he said. "I feel in good nick. While the fixture list is as it is we have to put up with it and get on with it," he said. "I think the amount of cricket we play needs to be looked at. But while we are given these games to play, we have to turn up and play in them."