Broad injury concerns

England Cricket / Editor / 11 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Leicestershire fast bowler Stuart Broad is set to miss England's first Test against the West Indies after suffering a knee injury.

It was anticipated that the 20-year-old, son of former England batsman Chris Broad, would get a first chance for the Windies Test series - with the squad due to be announced on Sunday.

However, after just returning from a shin injury, Leicestershire coach Tim Boon has revealed Broad has gone to see a specialist in London to find out the extent of the knee injury, which has forced him out of the County Championship clash with Derbyshire.

Boon said: "This is a fresh injury which flared up earlier this week. At this stage, I anticipate he will be out for another two games and we are just hoping it won't be even longer."

Should Broad be ruled out, the selectors are likely to choose between James Anderson, Sajid Mahmood and Liam Plunkett as to who will be the fourth pace bowler in the side, with Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard and Andrew Flintoff almost certain to start.

Betfair punters feel England's attack is strong enough to deal with the Windies batting line-up - the home side are 1.28 favourites to win the series. West Indies can be backed at 10 and the drawn series is on offer at 7.2.

Any long-term problem for Broad will have a major baring on Leicestershire's hopes of promotion to County Championship Division One - the Midlands outfit are already among the outsiders.