Stuart Broad Ruled Out Of The Entire Test Series Against India

England pacer Stuart Broad has been ruled out of the LV=Insurance Test series against India. The 35-year-old suffered a tear in his right calf which has consequently rendered him unavailable for the entire series. This comes as a big blow for the home side.

Broad had sustained the injury during the warmup games and he was unable to participate in England’s afternoon training session on Tuesday. Teammate Jonny Bairstow had revealed that the team wasn’t sure about Broad and James Anderson’s availability for the second Test.

Now, England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed that Broad went for an MRI scan during lunchtime on Wednesday. The scan revealed a tear and he won’t be taking part in the rest of the series. Broad’s exclusion means he will have to wait to play his coveted 150th Test match. He would have played the milestone match at the iconic Lord’s but unfortunately for him and England, it wasn’t to be.

Saqib Mahmood has been called up as a cover for Stuart Broad

Fearing the worst, Saqib Mahmood had been called up as a cover for the veteran Stuart Broad according to reports. ECB has just confirmed the same and he will likely be available from the second Test itself which is set to take place from tomorrow.

England’s injury concerns don’t end there as 39-year-old James Anderson is also a doubtful starter after complaining about a tight quad. According to ESPNcricinfo, Anderson stayed away from the pre-match training session as a precautionary measure.

The hosts were already dealt a big blow prior to the start of the series when it was confirmed that speedster Jofra Archer had been ruled out of the entire year owing to his persistent elbow injury. As a result, he will be out of the 2021 T20 World Cup as well as the Ashes. Broad, however, might be available for the Ashes.

Also Read – Pakistan Announce 19-Men Squad For West Indies Test Series