Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.

Stuart Broad ruled out of World Cup

Pa
Tuesday 08 March 2011 15:48 GMT
Comments

Stuart Broad is to fly home from the World Cup tomorrow because of a side injury, the ECB have confirmed.

The England seamer this afternoon received the news he was dreading, having undergone two scans after suffering soreness in his upper side during Sunday's Group B victory over South Africa.

Broad's early departure is the second major blow in as many days to England's prospects of winning this tournament for the first time in their history, following Kevin Pietersen's return to the UK to have a hernia operation.

Broad is likely to be replaced by fast bowler Chris Tremlett, who has been with the England squad throughout their campaign as a stand-by player.

Broad suffered discomfort during his second spell on the way to four for 15 in Sunday's much-needed Group B victory over South Africa in Chennai.

The 24-year-old seamer, who missed the final three Tests of England's Ashes victory this winter because of an abdominal tear, had feared the worst.

Before the latest scans, Broad confirmed: "I've picked up a little side niggle."

Broad knew instantly in Adelaide last December that he had a major problem. But the pain this time is in a different part of his side, much higher up, and is a more accustomed injury for pace bowlers.

"I've not had a side strain in this manner before," he said.

"It's quite a common injury for bowlers.

"I felt a little bit tight during the South Africa game. It started to throb a little bit throughout my second spell.

"Then after the game it stiffened up when the adrenaline was out of my body."

ECB chief medical officer Dr Nick Peirce said: "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 - that will rule him out of the remainder of the World Cup.

"This is a new injury, separate from the abdominal tear suffered during the Ashes, that requires a period of recuperation and rehabilitation and the duration of this recovery period will be determined following further assessment in the UK."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in