Michaels On The Money / Michael Vaughan / 06 December 2010 /

Former England Test captain Michael Vaughan fears the stomach injury picked up by Stuart Broad will keep him out of the rest of the Ashes....

Stuart Broad is almost certain to miss the rest of the Ashes Series, according to former Test captain Michael Vaughan.

The fast bowler was clearly in discomfort, seen grimacing and holding his stomach, as he bowled eleven wicketless overs yesterday. Speaking exclusively to betting.betfair.com, Vaughan said:

"TV viewers will have seen Broad in some discomfort as he bowled yesterday but it's actually a lot worse than many might think. The initial signs are that he'll play no further part in the Series."

The England medical team say they are currently assessing his injury, thought to be a stomach strain.

"If he is indeed ruled out for the rest of the Series, that will be a bitter pill for England to swallow. It makes it even more imperative that they win tomorrow and go 1-0 up given they'll probably have to make do without such a key player for the remaining three Tests."

The Nottinghamshire player has been an integral part of England's success in all three forms of the game and was a key member of their recent T20 World Cup success. If Broad is ruled out, Yorkshire's Tim Bresnan would be seen as the most obvious player to come in and deputise for him.

Those who backed Broad for England top series wicket-taker will also be disappointed if he plays no further part in the Series. He was backed as low as [4.10] to be England's leading wicket-taker, having finished top of the pile during the 2009 series.

With or without Broad, England will be desperate to take the six wickets on day five they need to go 1-0 up in the Series. They are [2.14] to win, the draw still favourite at [1.87] with overs expected to be lost to rain.

To read Michael Vaughna's thoughts ahead of day five of the Second Test click here

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