Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Injured Broad facing World Cup exit

England fast bowler Stuart Broad could miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering a side strain in the dramatic victory over South Africa.

Broad took a match-winning 4-15 in Chennai on Sunday, which ended in a thrilling six-run triumph, but his efforts have come back to haunt him.

"I felt a bit tight in the field and it sort of increased after the match, Broad told reporters in Chittagong where England tackle Bangladesh on Friday, a match the 24-year-old is likely to miss.

"I am not sure how serious it is. I have had scans done and am waiting for the result."

"At this stage, I am doubtful about playing on Friday, but not sure beyond that. I should know in a couple of days."

"I'm not too down at the minute because I don't know what the injury is. But obviously, I'll be bitterly disappointed if it's the end of my World Cup."

England are already reeling from losing star batsman Kevin Pietersen, who left for home on Monday to undergo a hernia operation.

Broad has endured a nightmare time with injuries in recent months having missed the last three Ashes Tests with an abdominal strain.

The seamer said he had not suffered a similar injury before.

"I know it is a common injury with bowlers, but I never had it before," he said.

"I didn't get the short stabbing pain that I did in the Ashes, so that's a good sign this is not as severe as that. It's in a different area."

The fast bowler has claimed 130 wickets in 76 one-day internationals at an average of 25.69.

England, with five points from four games, need to win one of their last two league matches against Bangladesh and the West Indies to qualify for the quarter-finals.